Maybe for some, the word “ban” is a relatively new word in their vocabulary. With all the freedoms we have here in American, we seldom hear the word “ban.” But with the current spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are hearing the word much more frequently. Ban is a verb that means to “stop,” “to cease,” or “to forbid.” Although I could recommend quite a number of things that we should “ban” in light of the current virus pandemic, I would like to suggest the first of three things that we should ban from our lives.

The First is Worry. We certainly have plenty to worry about these days, but what good is it to worry? I heard of a movie produced in 1923 entitled “Why Worry?” It’s an adventure/comedy about a hypochondriac who vacations on a tropical island in order to escape the crowds where he was living and breathe in some fresh air, only to find himself in the middle of a revolution. In an effort to escape his current circumstances, he unexpectedly found himself in more difficult, even dire, circumstances. The movie was an attempt to tell the audience to stop worrying about your current circumstances because the different circumstances that we hope for may be even worse.

Jesus fully understood our tendency to worry. He saw it on the faces of His own disciples, and in the lives of the people to whom He came to minister. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,

“Do not worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’” (Mt. 6:31).

Thankfully, Jesus did not leave His listeners hanging without giving them some answers regarding why they should not worry. Here is how He continued,

“Although those who are far from God desperately seek these things, your heavenly Father already knows that you need all these things” (Mt. 6:32)

Let’s be clear about this. Whatever we are worrying about, God already knows what we need. In fact, He already knows what we need before we even ask Him. Jesus then provides the solution to our constant worrying,

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33).

The “Kingdom of God” has to do with the reign and the realm of God. Whenever our thoughts turn to a king, we also think of the country, or the realm over which he reigns. Jesus is encouraging us to allow the King of all kings to reign on the “throne” of our lives and allow Him to rule over every aspect of our lives, which is our realm.

In addition to seeking His Kingdom first, the Apostle Peter provides an additional exhortation that will allow us to overcome our worries,

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:6-7).

We humble ourselves by realizing that we are not in control of our futures or even our own lives, and in response, we place our lives and our future under His control and His authority.

The Apostle Paul adds an additional remedy for our tendency to worry by saying,

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God” (Phil. 4:6).

And what’s the much-needed result of doing that? Paul continues,

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7).

And that’s what we all need during this time, God’s peace.

So, God’s Word provides the solution for overcoming our worries. As we seek to place a “ban” on worry, God exhorts to us to do the following:

1) Put Him first in your life, and allow Him to reign over every aspect of your life;

2) Humble yourselves under His mighty hand; and

3) Pray, with thanksgiving (don’t forget the “thanksgiving” part of the prayer).

This week, let’s put a “ban” on worrying, and remember that He is our Hope and our Refuge! May the Lord bless and keep you in His care. I hope to see you next week as we consider the 2^nd “ban.”