Don’t fret or worry! Yea, right
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” (Philippians 4:6, The Message)
Being anxious is only human, a natural response to the difficult circumstances and situations we are faced with in life. Our other natural response as human beings is the urge/desire to fix whatever our issues are. When we have to face the reality of how helpless and hopeless we are, we immediately find ourselves in a state of worry, anxiety, fear, and panic. Our present condition of having to coexist with the coronavirus (COVID-19) has left us baffling with its devastating effects on humanity. To deal with the medical realities of COVID-19 is one thing, but to deal with its socio-economic, socio-ethnic, religious and cultural realities is another. Across the world we are all affected; and depending on where we find ourselves on the Continent, our social class/ethnicity and financial capacity determine how we are afflicted and treated. Suffice it to say that the coronavirus itself is no respecter of colour, class, or creed.
With COVID-19 death is inevitable and for those who suffer from its most severe form and have recovered, they can certainly tell of going to death’s door and back. We are indeed challenged—psychologically, emotionally, mentally, socially, financially—even as our faith is shaken. We are all searching for answers, even as the medical scientists search for a vaccine and the most appropriate medication to treat those infected. With no end in sight we find ourselves on edge and particularly since we have been forced to be socially isolated from each other, our ‘normal’ routine, and life as we know it has taken on a new shape or form.
So, what does it mean, not to worry? As Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi in Philippians chapter 4, he addresses not doctrinal errors, but relational problems. Whatever the cause of those relational problems, Paul knows that broken relationships can have serious repercussions for the growth, development, and maturing of the body of Christ. Likewise, in this time of COVID-19, relationships are being tested and tried: in the homes, the workplace and in general as we interact or not interact with each other. We have no choice, but to come face-to-face with each other in a particular space or we are fighting/struggling not to touch or go near each other to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Nonetheless, whatever the circumstances that led Paul to encourage the Church in Philippi to not worry or fret, but to pray and praise, must have been one that would have been dangerous and disruptive to their lives and the Church at large.
History has shown that humanity in general possesses the tenacity and resilience to cope and to get through whatever it is, even as we deal with tragedy, pain, and loss. Likewise, we possess the tenacity and will to pray and praise in times of crisis and chaos. While we are engaging in prayer and praise, it may appear not to make sense at the time, however, it’s no excuse not to pray and praise…who knows what may happen, and even if it does not happen then, who knows what will happen later. In other words, our faith is most profound in times of trouble, not when things are going ‘great’ or ‘ok.’ It’s our faith that anchors us and gives us assurance that as difficult as things get, our faith will carry us and sustain us. So, I am recommending Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:6: “Pray and praise, don’t worry and fret.” Pray and praise stands a greater chance of doing more for us emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and I dare say financially. To worry and fret will get us nowhere, but instead may leave us in distress and despair; these two unwelcomed intruders we dare not welcome.
Being anxious is only human, a natural response to the difficult circumstances and situations we are faced with in life. Our other natural response as human beings is the urge/desire to fix whatever our issues are. When we have to face the reality of how helpless and hopeless we are, we immediately find ourselves in a state of worry, anxiety, fear, and panic. Our present condition of having to coexist with the coronavirus (COVID-19) has left us baffling with its devastating effects on humanity. To deal with the medical realities of COVID-19 is one thing, but to deal with its socio-economic, socio-ethnic, religious and cultural realities is another. Across the world we are all affected; and depending on where we find ourselves on the Continent, our social class/ethnicity and financial capacity determine how we are afflicted and treated. Suffice it to say that the coronavirus itself is no respecter of colour, class, or creed.
With COVID-19 death is inevitable and for those who suffer from its most severe form and have recovered, they can certainly tell of going to death’s door and back. We are indeed challenged—psychologically, emotionally, mentally, socially, financially—even as our faith is shaken. We are all searching for answers, even as the medical scientists search for a vaccine and the most appropriate medication to treat those infected. With no end in sight we find ourselves on edge and particularly since we have been forced to be socially isolated from each other, our ‘normal’ routine, and life as we know it has taken on a new shape or form.
So, what does it mean, not to worry? As Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi in Philippians chapter 4, he addresses not doctrinal errors, but relational problems. Whatever the cause of those relational problems, Paul knows that broken relationships can have serious repercussions for the growth, development, and maturing of the body of Christ. Likewise, in this time of COVID-19, relationships are being tested and tried: in the homes, the workplace and in general as we interact or not interact with each other. We have no choice, but to come face-to-face with each other in a particular space or we are fighting/struggling not to touch or go near each other to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Nonetheless, whatever the circumstances that led Paul to encourage the Church in Philippi to not worry or fret, but to pray and praise, must have been one that would have been dangerous and disruptive to their lives and the Church at large.
History has shown that humanity in general possesses the tenacity and resilience to cope and to get through whatever it is, even as we deal with tragedy, pain, and loss. Likewise, we possess the tenacity and will to pray and praise in times of crisis and chaos. While we are engaging in prayer and praise, it may appear not to make sense at the time, however, it’s no excuse not to pray and praise…who knows what may happen, and even if it does not happen then, who knows what will happen later. In other words, our faith is most profound in times of trouble, not when things are going ‘great’ or ‘ok.’ It’s our faith that anchors us and gives us assurance that as difficult as things get, our faith will carry us and sustain us. So, I am recommending Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:6: “Pray and praise, don’t worry and fret.” Pray and praise stands a greater chance of doing more for us emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and I dare say financially. To worry and fret will get us nowhere, but instead may leave us in distress and despair; these two unwelcomed intruders we dare not welcome.
—Rev. Tara Tyme
United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands