Overmuch care, often referred to as excessive worry or anxiety, is a condition that can burden the heart and mind, distracting believers from their faith and trust in God. The Bible addresses this issue, encouraging believers to place their trust in God, who is sovereign and provides for His people.

Biblical Exhortations Against Worry

The Scriptures provide numerous exhortations against overmuch care, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus directly addresses the issue of worry, urging His followers to trust in God's care: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25). Jesus points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as examples of God's provision, reminding believers that they are of much greater value to the Father.

Trust in God's Provision

The call to trust in God's provision is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, encourages them to replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). This passage highlights the importance of turning to God in prayer as a means of alleviating worry and experiencing His peace.

God's Sovereignty and Care

The Bible assures believers of God's sovereignty and His intimate care for His creation. In 1 Peter 5:7, believers are instructed to "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" . This verse underscores the personal nature of God's care and His willingness to bear the burdens of His people.

Faith as a Remedy for Worry

Faith is presented as the antidote to overmuch care. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . Trusting in God's promises and His character provides a foundation for overcoming anxiety. The psalmist declares, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You" (Psalm 56:3), illustrating the practice of turning to God in times of fear and uncertainty.

Practical Steps to Combat Overmuch Care

Believers are encouraged to take practical steps to combat overmuch care by focusing on God's Word and His promises. Meditating on Scripture, engaging in regular prayer, and participating in a community of faith can help redirect focus from worry to trust. The Apostle Paul advises believers to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8), promoting a mindset that is aligned with God's truth.

Conclusion

While overmuch care is a common human experience, the Bible provides clear guidance for believers to trust in God's provision and sovereignty. By turning to God in prayer, meditating on His Word, and relying on the community of faith, believers can find freedom from excessive worry and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.Jeremiah 17:7,8
Blessed is the man that trusts in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 3:16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

To Alexandra.
... Grieve not overmuch for orphanhood and widowhood. ... law it is that all should take
good care of orphans ... and God-given wisdom of his whereby I trust the tempest ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xiv to alexandra.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... Ecclesiastes 7:16 " "Be not righteous overmuch, neither make thyself ... Jesus Christ;
and, my dear brethren, I trust he will ... but then we are to take care to do ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... Speak not overmuch, not even words that are wise; [628] for ... Believe and trust, thou
that art wise, for God is He Who guides thee; and if His care leaves thee ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

2 Cor. x. 7
... abundantly." And he did not say, if any man trust that he ... "For we stretch not ourselves
overmuch, as though ... them, thou who dost not so much as care to remember ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxii 2 cor x.htm

Internal Affective Prayer of Contemplation Hath Always Been ...
... his mind fixed on God, but did overmuch reflect upon ... midst of a throng of cares he
lived without care. ... successively, of the greatest dignity and trust that the ...
/.../chapter vii internal affective prayer.htm

2 Cor. vi. 11, 12
... and having hereby represented God's abundant care and power ... he will not entertain
with overmuch acceptance, because ... to money, indeed, we do not trust to others ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiii 2 cor vi.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... They were righteous overmuch;' it was seeming zeal, but wanted ... but those who are
under thy trust and tuition ... no care that they serve God; who care not though ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

The Christian Described
... I am not my own saviour; but I trust we shall ... may not slip thee, either for want
of care or forecast,. 1. Sit always loose from an overmuch affecting thine own ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

Second Sunday Before Lent
... buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.8 Concerning ... you"and you are wise
in that"I trust you will ... I exert myself, I have a continual care, I urge ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday before lent.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... not slip thee, either for want of care or provision ... 1.) Sit always loose from an
overmuch affecting thine ... that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Does God care about the little things that happen in our lives? | GotQuestions.org

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Care: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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