By R.J. Rushdoony
One of our most popular sins is to be fretful and to worry. We justify our anxiety by listing all kinds of reasons why we have a good cause to worry and will not face up to the fact that it is a sin.
Worry means distrusting God, who promises that He makes all things work together for good to them who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).
Remember the storm on the Sea of Galilee? The disciples were badly frightened, and they turned on Jesus in their terror, crying, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” Jesus stopped the wind and the storm, saying to the elements, “Peace, be still,” and to His disciples, “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:38–40). Our Lord described their fears and worries as “no faith.” The same is true of us.
Our Lord has already done the greatest of all things for us: He has given His life for our redemption. It is a small thing for Him now to care for us. Worrying means “no faith.” Faith means trusting in Him, and obeying Him.
Now, the next time you start to worry, close your eyes, and think. Remember, Jesus took you on board. Why jump overboard? Stop and think, and keep yourself in that boat on the Sea of Galilee. You are, after all, in the ark of salvation. Is there any safer place to be than with Him, and in His care? Can there be any question that to worry in those circumstances is to sin fearfully?
The greater fact is not your problem but the Lord and His care. The ark of salvation is an unsinkable ship. Keep yourself in the boat, and stay there always.
Rev. R.J. Rushdoony (1916–2001), was a leading theologian, church/state expert, and author of numerous works on the application of Biblical law to society. He started the Chalcedon Foundation in 1965. He is credited with igniting the modern Christian school and homeschooling movements in the mid to late 20th century. He also traveled extensively lecturing and serving as an expert witness in numerous court cases regarding religious liberty. Many ministry and educational efforts that continue today, took their philosophical and Biblical roots from his lectures and books.