Safer Coping Strategies for Men — Part Five — “Do not Worry”.

During the “Safer Coping Strategies for Men” series, we highlighted some safe techniques and interventions to support men from all works of life who are struggling with stress, anxiety, despair and turmoil. We hear how the Corona-virus pandemic has exacerbated mental ill-health both nationally and internationally. As our governments and national health service work tirelessly to contain the virus, my objective is to play a part (however small) in curtailing the spread of anxiety in response to the daily challenges we are facing in this season.

The message for today’s safer coping strategy is “do not worry”. Although, this strategy may seem over-simplistic, the phrase does contain some powerful and profound truths. My aim is to offer interventions, which are not complicated and cumbersome, but interventions which are short, memorable, easy and immediately applicable to your life, whether you are at home or at work in any setting. I wanted to draw you to Matthew 6 vs 25-34, a passage from the words of scripture which speaks of “not worrying” as the cure for anxiety.

It really is that simple!! To overcome anxiety, or to stop anxiety in its track, Matthew 6 vs 25 advises to “stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink or about your body or what you shall put on” .

What are you worried right now? What is the first thing that comes into your mind? Are you worried you don’t have enough funds for food? Are you worried about your health? Are you worried that you will lose your job? Are you worried that you don’t have enough clothes to wear? Hold that thought. Now stop that “worry thought” dead in its track. Don’t give it airtime. “Don’t worry”.

Matthew 6 vs 25 explains why we shouldn’t worry about our present circumstances. The first principle (indicated in the passage) is that your life is greater than food. Your body is far above and more excellent than clothing (v.25). The second principle teaches us about the life of birds. It clearly reminds us that birds don’t sow or reap, or gather goods into the barns, but yet at the same time, these birds are well provided for. They are sufficiently fed by God, our heavenly father. Are you not more precious or worthier than birds in the sight of God? If God can feed the birds without them knowing when their next provision is coming from, can God not provide for you?

For those who worry about not having any outfits or not being able to afford any clothes, the passage below encourages us to learn from Lilies. Yes Lilies!! Lilies do not toil or spin, yet they are arrayed in splendor.

‘ And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you , even King Solomon in all his magnificence was not arrayed like one of these” Matthew 6 vs 29

If God can clothe the blossoming lily, how much more can he clothe you or provide for you? God is a God of Love and He longs to be your “Yahweh Yireh”, (which is translated from the Hebrew as “God our Provider”). He longs to provides all your needs according to His riches and glory.

So don’t worry about tomorrow where your next meal or paycheck is coming from. God already knows your needs. He loves you. His desire is for you to seek Him first. If you are in desperate need today, go ahead and ask Him. I can testify that time and time again God has miraculously provided for me over and beyond, more than I can ever imagine.

Remember “do not worry or be anxious about what you are going to eat, drink or what you have to wear…..but seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things taken together will be given unto you” Matthew 6 vs 31 -33