Avoiding Worry

We’ve all been there. It’s late at night, long past bedtime, and you’re tossing and turning, unable to quiet your mind. You replay conversations, stress over bills, or fear what tomorrow might bring.

If you’ve experienced that, you’re not alone.

Researcher Lucas LaFreniere conducted a study on worry that revealed something staggering. Participants wrote down their nightly worries for a period of time, then returned 20 days later to see if those worries had actually come true. The result? 91.4% of what people worried about never happened.

LaFreniere explained it like this: “Worry makes you miserable in the present moment to try and prevent misery in the future… it sucks the joy out of the here and now.”

That hits hard, doesn’t it? Worry robs us of today’s joy over things that—nine times out of ten—won’t even happen. Jesus Himself asked, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27). The answer is no. Worry doesn’t solve our problems—it just deepens our misery.

But here’s the good news: Jesus offers us another way.

Rethinking Worry

Too often, we treat Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount (“Do not worry,” Matthew 6:25–34) as a command. We hear people say, “Worry is a mild form of atheism because when you worry, you’re doubting God.” That only makes us feel guilty—so we try to stop worrying, which ironically makes us worry even more.

But what if Jesus’ teaching wasn’t meant as a crushing command, but as a gentle reminder? Don’t worry, because your Father has things under control. The birds are fed. The flowers bloom. And you are more valuable than them all.

So, how do we move from worry to trust? John 6:15-21 gives us three principles that can help.

1. Refuel (v. 15)

After feeding the 5,000, Jesus slipped away to the mountain to pray. He had healed, taught, and fed thousands—He was physically and emotionally drained. Even the Son of God needed to refuel in His Father’s presence.

If Jesus needed that, how much more do we? Worry drains us, but prayer and Scripture refill us. Prayer connects us to God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7), and His Word steadies our perspective (Psalm 119:15-16).

Start small. A short prayer in the morning. A verse taped to your mirror. Small, consistent practices make a huge difference.


2. Remember (vv. 16-20)

As the disciples rowed across the Sea of Galilee, a storm hit. They struggled for miles in the wind and waves until suddenly, they saw Jesus walking on the water. Terrified, they didn’t recognize Him at first—but then He said, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

Here’s the truth: storms will come in our lives—health scares, financial stress, family crises. But when storms hit, we must remember: Jesus is with us. He promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Even before the disciples saw Him, Jesus already saw their struggle. The same is true for you—He sees your storm, and He is coming to you.


3. Receive (v. 21)

When the disciples welcomed Jesus into their boat, they reached the shore safely.

That’s our call too—to receive Him. If you’ve never trusted Christ as your Savior, John 1:12 says that when you receive Him, you become God’s child. That’s the first step toward freedom from worry.

But for those who already follow Jesus, receiving Him means surrendering control. Too often, we grip the oars of our lives, exhausting ourselves with worry. But when Jesus is captain of the ship, He brings peace (Isaiah 26:3).

The Hope Beyond Worry

Let’s put it together. To avoid worry, we must:

• Refuel through prayer and Scripture.
• Remember that Jesus is with us in the storm.
• Receive Him as the one in control of our lives.

Here’s the big idea: Worry loses its grip when we focus on Jesus and the hope we have in His life, death, and resurrection.

This doesn’t mean life will be easy. Storms will still come. But instead of being consumed by worry, we can cling to hope—the hope that one day, King Jesus will return and make all things right.

So here’s a challenge: this week, when worry starts to take hold, stop and say: “God is good, and today is a blessing.”

Then pray a short prayer, releasing your worry to Him.

Corrie ten Boom, who endured unimaginable storms, once said: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

Don’t let worry rob you of today. Jesus is here. He is enough.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

The Justice and Comfort of God: The Destruction of Nineveh

Where There Is No Hope for the Future…

Some years ago, a small town was chosen as the site for a new hydroelectric plant. The plan was to build a dam across the river, which meant the whole town would be submerged underwater. The announcement came months in advance, giving residents time to get their affairs in order and relocate.

But something strange happened. House repairs stopped. Community projects ceased. Even lawn care came to a halt. Before anyone had left, the place looked abandoned.

When someone asked a resident why everything had fallen into neglect, he answered, “Where there is no hope for the future, there is no power in the present.”

That’s a life lesson worth remembering. Hope for tomorrow produces strength for today. And the opposite is also true—when you believe there’s no hope, you stop living with purpose.

Nahum’s prophecy worked in the opposite direction. His announcement of Nineveh’s destruction gave Judah hope. Under Assyrian oppression, they could remember: God sees, God cares, and God will rescue. They could celebrate and worship again because their future was secure in God’s hands.

God’s Justice on the Move (Nahum 2:1–2)

Nahum opens with a warning to Nineveh: the attacker is coming. For decades, Assyria had been the aggressor, conquering nations with ruthless cruelty. Now the tables were turning. God Himself was against them.

It’s important to remember: God is not passive toward injustice. He gives time for repentance, but His patience is not indifference. When the time comes, He raises up instruments of His justice to set things right.

The Fall of the Mighty (Nahum 2:3–7)

Nahum paints a vivid picture—shields dyed red, soldiers in crimson, chariots racing through the streets, confusion on every side. Nineveh’s power and military pride were no match for God’s judgment.

The queen herself would be led away into exile, and the people who once repented at Jonah’s preaching now moaned in hopeless defeat. Pride and power are fleeting. No empire, no church, no individual is beyond God’s humbling hand.

Emptiness After Exploitation (Nahum 2:8–10)

Nineveh, once overflowing with wealth and people, would become a ghost town. The Assyrians had plundered countless nations, but now their own treasures would be carried off.

This is the way of the world’s kingdoms—wealth gained through oppression and greed never leads to lasting rest. In the end, it leaves only ruin.

The Lion Becomes Prey (Nahum 2:11–13)

Assyria liked to think of itself as a lion—powerful, fearless, able to devour whatever it pleased. But now, the lion was hunted. God’s chilling words come at the end of the chapter: “Behold, I am against you.”

Those are the most terrifying words a human or a nation can hear. The Babylonians may have been the ones to conquer Nineveh, but the victory came from the Lord’s hand.

From Nahum to Now

James 5:1–8 reminds us that God still opposes those who exploit and dehumanize others. Whether it’s a nation, a corporation, or an individual, when people use their power to harm rather than to help, they set themselves up against God—and He will act.

For God’s people, the message is one of patience and hope. Like Judah under Assyrian rule, like the early church under Roman persecution, we are called to live courageously as we wait for the day Jesus returns to make all things right.

Living in the Meantime

Nineveh’s downfall isn’t just history—it’s a warning. Oppose God’s ways, and eventually, God Himself will oppose you. But it’s also a promise for the oppressed: evil will not have the final word.

So we keep proclaiming His Kingdom, using what we have to restore rather than exploit, and standing firm in faith. Because one day, the Lion of Judah will return, and every oppressor will fall before Him.

Challenge for the Week: Take time to worship. Thank God for the hope we have in Jesus. It’s this hope that keeps us steady when the world seems to be unraveling.

Final Thought: Nahum 2 reminds us that the most important question in life is not Who is against me? but Is God for me? Nineveh’s wealth and power couldn’t protect it when God said, “I am against you.” But in Christ, we can hear the opposite: “I am for you.”The difference comes down to where we stand with Him. The only safe place to be… is on God’s side.

The Justice and Comfort of God: The Downfall of the Oppressor

Text: Nahum 1:9–15

What kind of God steps into the darkness for the sake of His people?

Nine months after SEAL Team Six took out Osama bin Laden, they carried out another extraordinary mission. Jessica Buchanan, an American aid worker, had been kidnapped by Somali pirates. In the dead of night, two dozen SEALs parachuted into southern Somalia, killed nine armed captors, and rescued her—all without a single American casualty.

What happened next is even more powerful. Jessica later shared that after her rescue, the SEALs had her lie down, then formed a human shield by lying on top of her. Why? Because there was still the threat of more armed terrorists in the area. These men had already risked their lives to save her, and now they were laying down over her to protect her until the helicopters came.

To the world, that moment was extraordinary. But for the SEALs, it was simply what they do—because it’s who they are.

That’s what Nahum wants us to see about God. In Nahum 1, Judah was surrounded by a brutal empire. Assyria seemed unstoppable. Their cruelty was legendary. And yet, God declared that the oppressor would fall, the yoke would be broken, and His people would be free again.

Why? Because it’s what He does—because it’s who He is.

Nahum gives us a vision of a God who is not distant or indifferent, but one who rescues, redeems, and restores. And in this short but powerful passage, we witness both judgment on evil and hope for God’s people.

The Futility of Evil Schemes (Nahum 1:9–10)

“Why are you scheming against the Lord?” Nahum asks. Assyria had set itself against God’s people—and in doing so, against God Himself. But their power, their alliances, their strategies—none of it could stand. Their downfall was inevitable.

Verse 10 paints the image clearly, even if it’s difficult to translate. They’ll be tangled in thorns, stumbling like drunkards, burned up like dry stubble. It’s vivid, poetic language for a simple truth: no matter how powerful evil appears, it cannot outlast the justice of God.

We may not always understand the timing, but the promise is firm: the wicked will not win. This is the hope we hold onto as we await the return of King Jesus—who will bring justice and restore all things.

The Power and Promise of God’s Justice (Nahum 1:11–14)

Verse 11 introduces the one behind Assyria’s evil schemes. Most commentators identify this as a wicked king—an advisor leading the empire into oppression and violence. But in verse 12, God Himself speaks: “This is what the Lord says…”

This is the only time in Nahum we hear that familiar prophetic refrain. And what follows is God’s declaration: Assyria may be great in number and strength, but they will be cut down. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Here’s the hard part: God says He used Assyria to discipline Judah. That’s difficult to process, but it’s consistent with covenant language throughout the Old Testament. God allowed hardship—not because He delighted in suffering, but because He was shaping and correcting His people. Yet even that had a limit. God promises: “I will afflict you no more.” (v. 12)

God then issues a military-style command. The word “commanded” in verse 14 carries the weight of a king’s decree. The dynasty will be ended. Their gods will be shattered. Their grave is ready. This isn’t symbolic—it’s exactly what happened. The Assyrian empire fell, never to rise again.

The Celebration of the Redeemed (Nahum 1:15)

The tone changes in the final verse. There, on the mountains, is a messenger bringing good news: peace has come!

This echoes Isaiah 52:7, which Paul quotes in Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” In Nahum’s context, it’s the good news of Assyria’s defeat and Judah’s redemption.

Even though the final collapse hadn’t yet occurred, the announcement of it was cause for celebration. Judah was told to resume its festivals, to keep the vows made in desperate prayer. Deliverance had come.

This peace wasn’t just the end of violence—it was the restoration of wholeness. It was shalom: the return of what sin and oppression had fractured. That’s the peace God promises His people.

So live like it’s already here.

What This Means for Us

Nahum isn’t just about ancient Assyria—it’s about God’s judgment on all evil. His people have found comfort in this book across centuries, from Babylon to Rome. And we find comfort in it today.

We still live in a world where injustice, violence, and oppression seem to reign. Sometimes it even feels like God is silent or distant. But Nahum reminds us: God sees, God cares, and God will act.

Yes, some hardships are the result of our own disobedience. But many come simply from living in a broken world. Either way, they are not outside of God’s sovereignty. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12 wasn’t removed. But God used it to shape his faith and remind him that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

So trust God in every circumstance. Whether in hardship or joy, loss or triumph, trust that God is at work—for your good and for His glory.

And celebrate the Gospel! Jesus has already won the decisive battle. The cross and the resurrection were our D-Day. Now we live in that in-between time—awaiting the full arrival of VE-Day, when Christ returns, evil is fully destroyed, and peace reigns.

In the meantime, we worship. We proclaim. We live in hope.

Final Thought

We worship a God who does not ignore evil. He sees every injustice, hears every cry, and promises that one day He will make all things right.

The downfall of the oppressor is not just a historical event—it’s a gospel pattern. God breaks the chains of the enemy, rescues His people, and invites them into peace.

So when the weight of the world feels heavy, when evil seems to have the last word, remember Nahum’s message: The victory belongs to God. Evil will fall. Peace will come.

And until that day, we live by faith, we celebrate the good news, and we rest in the refuge of our Rescuer.

Because rescue isn’t just what He does—it’s who He is.

Clarity: What Happens When You Die?

Part of the Clarity Series: Building a Christian Worldview

In 2018, 18-year-old Renard Matthews was tragically shot and killed in his New Orleans neighborhood. At his wake, something unusual happened. Instead of being laid in a casket, his body was posed in a life-like scene: slouched in a chair, PlayStation controller in hand, sunglasses on, Doritos and root beer nearby, and NBA2K playing on the TV. The practice, called “extreme embalming,” aims to show people doing what they loved in life.

That desire is deeply human. We want our last memory of someone to reflect who they were—not just how they died, but how they lived. Behind that desire is also a belief: they’re in a better place now, doing what they love. The idea of a great golf course, garden, or video game lounge in the sky comforts us.

But it also raises a deeper question: What actually happens when you die?


Facing Death with Hope

Death is something we all face. Whether we’re grieving someone we’ve lost or preparing for our own eventual passing, we long for clarity—and hope.

This question has layers. As New Testament scholar N.T. Wright puts it, we’re really asking about life after life after death. In other words, what happens immediately after death? And what happens ultimately?

To answer that, we turn to 2 Corinthians 5:1–10, where the apostle Paul gives us a framework for understanding death—not just as an ending, but as a transition. Writing to a church that faced trials, persecution, and loss, Paul reminds them (and us) that this life is not the end of the story.


1. Our Hope (vv. 1–4)

Paul begins with a clear picture: this life is like living in a tent—temporary and fragile. But we have the hope of a permanent home, “a building from God, eternal in the heavens” (v. 1). That home isn’t an escape from our bodies—it’s the promise of resurrection.

Unlike pagan thought, where the body is something to be discarded, the Christian hope treasures both spirit and body. God created us as whole beings. So when we die, we’re not fully complete—we’re “naked,” Paul says (v. 3), waiting to be clothed with our resurrection bodies.

What happens when a Christian dies?

• We go to be with Jesus (see also Philippians 1:21–23).
• It’s a place of joy and rest.
• But it’s also temporary.

We wait for the final resurrection, when heaven and earth are renewed (Revelation 21), and we receive new, incorruptible bodies (1 Corinthians 15).

So our hope isn’t just going to heaven when we die. It’s being raised to new life in God’s New Creation—a world without pain, death, or sorrow. A world made right.

2. Our Confidence (vv. 5–8)

How can we be sure this will happen? Paul says we have a guarantee: the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit is God’s down payment—proof that we belong to Him and that He will finish what He started. While we live by faith and not by sight, we aren’t guessing or crossing our fingers. We’re living in covenant with a faithful God.

So whether we remain in our earthly bodies or leave them behind, our confidence is this: we will be with Jesus.

3. Our Responsibility (vv. 9–10)

Because we have this hope and confidence, Paul challenges us to live with purpose.

“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.” (v. 9)

One day, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ—not for condemnation, but for evaluation. What we do in this life matters. Our lives now are the building blocks of eternity (see also 1 Corinthians 3:12–15).

This means…

• Living by faith.
• Living with love.
• Making disciples.
• Doing what pleases Jesus.

What About Those Who Don’t Follow Jesus?

You might be wondering: what happens to people who aren’t followers of Jesus?

The Bible doesn’t give us a lot of detail, but it does give us a warning. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. After death, there’s a separation between those who are with God and those who are not—and that separation cannot be crossed.

Jesus is clear: eternal life is found in Him. To be with Jesus in the Spirit is joy. To face judgment without Him is loss. That’s the hard reality—and the reason we share the gospel.

(We’ll talk more about this in next week’s post on the reality of hell.)

So, What Happens When You Die?

If you’re a follower of Jesus:

• When you die, your spirit goes to be with Jesus.

• You wait there with joy for the resurrection of your body.

• One day, you’ll live forever in the New Creation—whole, renewed, and in the presence of God.

If you’re not yet following Jesus, there is still time. Jesus invites you to trust Him, follow Him, and receive eternal life.

Your Challenge: Live with Eternity in Mind

Because eternity is real, live your life in anticipation of spending it with Jesus.

This week, do something that pleases Him:

1. Stop doing something that distracts from your purpose.

2. Start doing something that reflects Jesus to the world.

3. Love someone with compassion and grace.

Next in the Clarity Series:
If there’s life after death, what about the reality of hell? Stay tuned as we continue to build a biblical worldview to help us see clearly, live faithfully, and love deeply.

Transformed by Grace: The Power of God’s Grace

In a world increasingly driven by self-interest, where kindness and humility often take a backseat, God’s grace stands as a transformative force, calling us to a higher standard of living. In his 2023 article, “How America Got Mean,” David Brooks observes a troubling shift in American culture, what he calls the “de-moralization” of society. He cites a 2012 study showing that words tied to virtue—like bravery (down 65%), gratitude (58%), and humbleness (55%)—have faded from books over the 20th century. Meanwhile, life goals have shifted: in 1967, 85% of college students sought a “meaningful philosophy of life,” but by 2015, 82% prioritized wealth. This change in motivation shapes behavior. If our aim is fame or riches, we may justify harming or ignoring others to get ahead. But as followers of Jesus, our motivation is rooted in faith and duty, shaped by the transformative power of God’s grace, which calls us to live differently—reflecting the character of our King.

The Context of Titus

Our series on the book of Titus has emphasized the importance of right living for the Christians in Crete, a Mediterranean island known for its moral laxity (Titus 1:12). Written around AD 62–64, after Paul’s first Roman imprisonment, this letter was sent to Titus, Paul’s apostolic delegate, to guide the young churches in a challenging mission field. Crete’s diverse population of Jews and Gentiles, combined with the influence of false teachers, threatened the faith of new believers. Paul’s instructions were clear: appoint blameless leaders (1:5-9) who could teach sound doctrine and confront false teachings (1:10-16). Right living, Paul stresses, flows from right teaching, and at the heart of this teaching is the transformative grace of God, revealed through Jesus Christ. This grace empowers believers to represent King Jesus well in a world that desperately needs to see His love.

The Power of God’s Grace (Titus 2:11-15)

In Titus 2:11-15, Paul unpacks five key truths about God’s grace, showing how it reshapes our lives and motivates us to live for His Kingdom.

1. Grace Revealed for All (v. 11)
   God’s grace has appeared to all people through Jesus. For Gentiles in Crete, grace resembled “royal compassion”—a king or deity providing what people couldn’t achieve on their own. For Jews, it echoed God’s covenant love, freely given and unearned. This grace fulfills God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12, extending His blessing to all nations, not just Israel. It’s a universal gift, laying the foundation for evangelism, as it invites everyone—regardless of background—to experience God’s love and salvation.
2. Grace Teaches Godly Living (v. 12)
   Grace is more than a gift; it’s a teacher. It instructs us to reject anti-God living—behaviors that fail to reflect God’s character—and worldly desires that align with the world’s values rather than God’s. Instead, grace empowers us to live with self-control, righteousness, and godliness, even in a world marked by evil. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we overcome fleshly desires and reflect God’s gracious, loving character. This enables us to live respectably, using our gifts to build God’s Kingdom.
3. Hope in Christ’s Return (v. 13)
   Grace motivates us to live for King Jesus because of the hope of His return. Described as “our great God and Savior,” Jesus will come again to bring justice, restore creation, and rescue His people. This hope fuels patience, endurance, and passion for Kingdom work. We strive to be ready—living rightly—when He appears, eager to reflect His character in all we do.
4. Redemption and Purification (v. 14)
   The cost of this grace was immense: Jesus freely gave His life to redeem us from slavery to sin and purify us from its defilement. In the Old Testament, sin rendered people unworthy to be part of God’s family, but Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us, making us worthy to be His people. God’s plan from the beginning was to have a people fully committed to Him, partnering in His mission to rule over His good creation.
5. Teach with Authority (v. 15)
   Paul charges Titus to teach these truths with authority, encouraging believers to follow Jesus and correcting wrong beliefs or behaviors that dishonor Him. When Titus lives and teaches faithfully (vv. 7-8), his ministry is above reproach. We, too, are called to live out these truths, holding one another accountable to represent Jesus well in our words and actions.

How Does This Apply to Us?

First, immerse yourself in God’s Word. Titus 2:11-15 shows that understanding grace—seen in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—and living with hope for His return equips us to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness. We’ve been redeemed and cleansed to be God’s people. Regularly studying Scripture and meditating on these truths shapes our character and actions. Don’t neglect the Bible—it’s the foundation for a life transformed by grace.

Second, embrace your identity. Individually, you are saved by grace, a reminder of God’s personal love for you and your value as His image-bearer. Collectively, we are God’s people, tasked with representing Him well. This identity gives us purpose: to live in a way that reflects His character and advances His Kingdom, showing a watching world the power of His grace.

Third, live with purpose. Grace doesn’t just save us; it calls us to action. We’re to be zealous for good works—acts of love, service, and justice that point others to Jesus. Whether it’s forgiving a wrong, helping a neighbor, or standing firm against temptation, our actions should flow from the grace we’ve received.

Living Transformed by Grace

Paul’s message in Titus 2:11-15 is a call to action: God’s grace, revealed through Jesus, offers salvation and teaches us to live righteously. It’s not enough to believe the right truths—our beliefs must shape our lives. Grace transforms us into God’s people, eager to do good works and await Christ’s return with hope.

Challenge: This week, live as someone transformed by grace. Begin each day thanking God for His unearned gift of salvation. Take one practical step to reflect that grace—perhaps forgiving someone, serving your community, or resisting a temptation. Study God’s Word daily to root yourself in your identity in Christ, and let that truth guide your actions. As God’s people, let’s be zealous for good works, showing the world the power of His grace.

Final Thought: Theologian Lewis Smedes beautifully captures the wonder of grace: “Grace is amazing because it works against the grain of common sense. Hard-nosed common sense will tell you that you are too wrong to meet the standards of a holy God; pardoning grace tells you that it’s all right in spite of so much in you that is wrong… Grace promises that you can trust God to have a better tomorrow for you than the day you have made for yourself.” Grace defies logic, yet it’s the catalyst for life change, motivating us to live for God’s glory.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your amazing grace—Your love, forgiveness, and provision through Jesus. Empower us by Your Spirit to live as Your people, reflecting Your character in all we do. Help us study Your Word, embrace our identity in Christ, and be zealous for good works. May our lives show the world the transformative power of Your grace. Amen.