Uzzah. the Worrier

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:6-10 ESV). Do you remember Uzzah? If you are someone who struggles with worry or anxiety Uzzah should be a Biblical character you become very familiar with. Uzzah was clearly a well-intentioned man who made a deadly mistake (cf. 2 Samuel 6:3-11). While the Ark of God (Ark of the Covenant) was being transported it appeared to Uzzah that it might fall over so Uzzah grabbed the Ark to support it. But while Uzzah was preoccupied with his worry about the Ark, he forgot God's commands. God commanded that no one other than a priest should touch the ark (cf. Numbers 3:39) under penalty of death! In fact, in Joshua 3:4, God also commanded that there was to be a distance of about 1000 yards between the priests carrying the Ark and the people following it. God wanted to make sure that no one was unnecessarily put in danger. I remember a bulletin blooper I once read, "Don't let worry kill you, let the church help." Worry doesn't usually kill us, but it killed Uzzah. Because of his fears and worries about the Ark falling over and the actions he took to prevent this from happening, "God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the Ark of God." (cf. 2 Samuel 6:7). Think with me for a moment about all the great changes in society worry has brought about. Also think about your personal life, how much have you altered or gained by worry? Worry is a state of a mind that is grasping for contentment. We worry because we are not content with our particular circumstances or conditions. Worry has never changed $1.00 into $10.00. Worry has never changed the circumstances of that loved one who is late due to traffic. And, worry has never changed a "C-" paper to an "A" paper. It’s easy to say, "I cannot help worrying and being anxious". However, that is merely the deception of the devil. When we worry, we stop trusting God. Anxiety usually makes us unfit to handle the pressing concerns that are captivating the thoughts. Contentment allows us to rest in the providence, protection and sovereign will of God. So what do we do? When we do begin to worry, what’s the best way to handle it? Let your worrying lead you to prayer. Then, allow the Holy Spirit to bring you to a simple trust and dependence upon God. Don’t be a Uzzah!