In the NASB, there is the Greek word “merimna.” The origin of the word means: Through the idea of distraction. To be troubled with care and anxiety. Its usage occurs for: Worry, worries, anxiety, concern, care. One Christian woman Bible study author and speaker has said that merimna means bringing disruption to the personality of the mind.
There are six verses where this Greek word “merimna” is found in the New Testament in the NASB:
Matthew 13:22: “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”
Mark 4:19: “And the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”
Luke 8:14: “And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are chocked with worries, and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.”
Luke 21:34: “Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap.”
2 Corinthians 11:28: “Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches.”
1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.”
Fear and stress undoubtedly draw us in different directions. It distracts us. Peter said in 1 Peter 4:12 to not be surprised when fiery trials come. Then in James 1:3, James states: “For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
We have the worries of the world. Then there are the problems of our own life. There is the daily pressure that will always be inevitable. But sometimes we just can’t calm ourselves down while going through another time of anxiousness so worry creeps in.
When my back nerves, discs, and muscles are inflamed, my chiropractor can see it right away by how my walking, sitting, and standing is changed. It changes how I do all three due to the pain. So does anxiety. The feelings of nervousness and stress show in our posture, and on our face. Anxiety causes our muscles to tighten up, and even water retention from undergoing prolonged stress can result.
Hypersensitivity can also develop when undergoing anxiety. Hypersensitivity is when the brain becomes overly sensitive to everything in your body, to the point where even the slightest change or perceived change feels amplified. For example, a person with hypersensitivity knows when their heart beats just the tiniest bit harder – so little that most people won’t even notice – and not only do they feel that increase in heartbeat, it also feels more pronounced when being in an overly anxious state.
Anxiety affects how our brain processes our thoughts.
Are you going through a situation where you feel you are a basket case? Is it finances? Maybe a work situation out of your control? Or a relationship problem? Or an impossible deadline you have been given? There are so many things that simply are unexpected and out of our control that bombard us. Oh, I have been there and more than once!
Satan wants to cause havoc in our lives with guilt, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy our joy, faith in God, and peace. One way he attacks us is with this emotion of anxiety. Fight back with God’s promises. Have verses ready to rescue yourself from fearfulness. You are not meant to carry this burden alone.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything y prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
- Do not be anxious about anything – ESV
- For nothing be anxious – YLT
- Stop perpetually worrying about even one thing – Wuest
- Dismiss all anxiety from your minds – NASB
- Don’t worry about anything – NLT
- Don’t fret or worry – MSG
Paul is saying stop letting your stomach get all tied up in knots. He is not saying that we will never have things to worry about, but he is saying to avoid this temptation through prayer. Instead, work at giving thanksgiving unto God over and over. Expect His peace to be able to fill those empty places.
One of my go to verses when going through a trial is found in Deuteronomy 23:5 (ESV): “But the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam; instead the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loved you.”
Anxiety is contagious. It is a disruption. It is a trap. We were never meant to have to bear our burdens alone.
What is getting in your way of being free from worry, fear, doubt, and unclear thinking? What is it that is choking you from basking in the freedom of Christ’s abundant love and care right now?
Cast all of your discontentment, discouragement, despair, impatience, and suffering onto the Lord. Trust in Him when you cannot see the outcome.
Chuck Swindoll has said: “I have found that one of God’s favorite methods of preparing us for something great is to send us into the shadows to wait.”
Pray 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) when in a trial that is overtaking you: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Repeat those words to yourself: restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me.
Charles Stanley said in one of his sermons about handling difficult times in life to remember: “I am an example of what God can do in my life in difficult circumstances.”
Sometimes the only sacrifice we can offer Christ is to give Him thanks for what He has done for us in the past, the present, and even in the future. Our peace of mind is connected to praising God. Offering up our worship and thankful heart to our Lord and Savior gets us out of the deep pit of handling a heavy burden.
Listen to Psalm 25 sung by Graham Kendrick. It is a little over four minutes. Psalm 25 was a particular comfort to me several years ago when I was going through a very hard time that I just didn’t understand. I didn’t know why. I didn’t like that it kept going on and on. I was in a long wait. As I was searching the Psalms to find God’s comfort and strength, I discovered this YouTube of Psalm 25 (NIV). It was such a blessing and uplift to me as I pray it will be for you as well! God is faithful. Ask Him to lift up your soul. Let God teach you His truth as you cast your burden on Him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQgZAg8QwX4
My prayer for today: God, may anyone in need of your encouragement, love, hope, and reassurance, that is reading this devotional today, receive it from these verses listed. Please restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish steadfastness in yet another season of their life. Lead me in your truth and teach me your way. Thank you for your faithfulness, grace, mercy, and consistent unconditional love when I feel I have blown it yet again. You are my deliverer and I praise you for your sovereign care. Amen.