From Merriam-Webster: mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : ANXIETY

Often in my life the distress that is the fruit of worry results from those things anticipated rather than necessarily “impending.” It is perhaps the most personally damaging sin I have to deal with in my life these days. The good news is that there is a solution to the problem written in the sacred pages of scripture: JUST STOP IT.

Many years ago, a mentor of mine was talking with a friend about a problem area in his life he could not seem to gain victory over. My mentor friend looked him in the eye and simply emphatically stated “just stop it!” No psychobabble, formulas or book recommendations — just stop it. If you really don’t want to engage in something, then don’t. I believe that is exactly what Jesus is telling us in Matthew, where the subject comes up more than once, to be certain.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. -Matthew 6:34 NIV

Jesus knew that worry is an effective hindrance to living as God’s Word instructs us to live. We can do little for His kingdom if we are mired down in worldly concerns — about which we can do little, anyway. Consider Matthew 13:22…

The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. -Matthew 13:22 NIV

Through all of our anxieties and fears, there is a path to peace. Real peace…

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7 ESV