Worrying Is A Sin

Are you a worrier?

Do you sometimes lie awake at night worrying about what might happen to you or a loved one?

Worrying is being concerned about things over which we have little or no control – like paying rent on a house you don’t own.

Worrying can be a sin like lying, cheating or stealing and results in a lack of faith in God.

Worry denies the power of God

When we face difficult situations, do all we can, and then place our problems on an all-powerful Heavenly Father.  When we cast our burdens on Him He will not fail us. (Matthew 11:28-30.)

Worrying typically increases as faith in God decreases.  When we worry we are saying,

“God cannot handle this situation in my life.  This is too                      hard for Him.”

Everything is Under Control

If you could, by some wonderful force, be allowed to slip from this earth in our present state and glimpse for a moment beyond the veil, you would not find one shred of evidence that reveals panic.  You would never once hear “Oops” from the lips of Heavenly Father, or “I wonder what I’m going to do about that problem?” You would never see confusion or worry on the face of God!

If you desire to maintain calm and quiet hearts in the face of adversities and trials, you must be confident that Heavenly Father is all powerful and all knowing.

“For, unless God had power over all things, and was able, by his power, to control all things, . . . men could not be saved . . . ” (Joseph Smith, Lecture on Faith 4).

After all, it is God’s work and glory to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. (See Moses 1:39.)

Worry and Anxiety are NOT the Same

At times, worry can become a more serious condition referred to as an – “anxiety disorder”.  In an anxiety disorder physical signs, difficulty sleeping, and other symptoms may occur despite your best efforts to manage your “worry”.  If this is your case review the symptoms from Helpguide.org- Symptoms, Treatment and Self Help.

The Antidote for Worrying

Joseph B. Wirthlin gives us a two step plan:

“Fret not” is the first step. (See Ps. 37:1.)   To fret means to worry or to brood about something.  The first thing we must do is stop worrying. When we worry about the future, we create unhappiness in the present. Righteous concern may lead us to take appropriate action, but worrying about things we cannot control can paralyze and demoralize us.

Instead of worrying, focus on doing all that you can, and then leave the worrying to your Heavenly Father. If your heart is right with Him, He will take care of the worry and the fear.  We must learn to “fret not”.

The second step is to “trust in the Lord.” (See Ps. 37:3.)  Why should we trust in Him? Because He is our loving and all-wise Father in Heaven. Because He is the giver of all good gifts. Because He knows us and wants us to be happy and successful and to return to Him. God is in His heaven. He is perfect. He loves us. (“Improving Our Prayers,” Ensign, Mar. 2004).

Gospel Principle

Worrying is a sin.  The greatest antidote to worrying is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We will never find security and peace until then.  If worry becomes prolonged and excessive consider seeking additional information.

Additional Resources

Trusting in the Lord.  Trust in the Lord’s will and timetable.  You will be supported in your trials and afflictions when you show your faith in Him.

“My message is an appeal to those who are worried or restless or anxious, a plea to those who are not at peace.” Boyd K. Packer, “The Balm of Gilead,” New Era, Aug. 1979.