Martha was asked to drive an elderly woman to the clinic for an annual check-up. Martha didn't know this woman. All she was told that this person was more than 90 years old and probably quite frail. But the person who opened the door when Martha knocked could hardly be described as old and frail. "Do you mind me asking how old you are?" "93," the woman answered. Martha was astonished. "You look so much younger," she said. "What's your secret?" "Well, honey," she answered, "30 years ago I made the decision to stop worrying and I haven't wasted a moment on worry since." 

The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Philippi to “... not be anxious about anything ....” (Philippians 4:6-9).

We are living in some uncertain, challenging times, to put it mildly. There is plenty to worry about. 

However, there are some universal truths that can help if they are learned and applied on a consistent basis.

Worry, of course, won't change anything. In 1988, Jazz singer Bobby McFerrin recorded “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” One line advised his fans, "In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double." 

The Master Counselor cautioned his hearers against worry. “...which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27). A wise principle for everyone is learning to live one day at a time. In the same sermon Jesus said, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). Don’t borrow trouble! 

The psalmist praised God for his consistent help. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation” (Psalm 68:19).

It will help us to stop worrying if we truly believe that God will take care of our needs. Having reminded his listeners that, as supreme Creator, God takes care of the birds and grass, he encourages them with this promise: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?’... your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matthew 6:31-32). God not only knows our needs; he is more than capable of taking care of them. 

To benefit from God’s help, we have to seek him — his will and his support — first and foremost. Matthew 6:33 says: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you." When we truly seek God and his will first, he assures us that what we need will be given to us.  

German theologian Martin Luther (1483-1546) said, “I have held many things in my hand and have lost them all, but that which I have placed in God's hand, I still possess.” This is still a good practice to follow.