THE BEST WAY TO KILL ZOMBIES
My two teenage grandsons were in my backseat, on the way home from school. They raised a question of profound significance. “What’s the best way to kill zombies?” A debate ensued between them. A chainsaw? A bat with nails? An AR15? They locked onto their opinions like a zombie on meat, and it was “game on.” The debate quickly escalated into a verbal Gettysburg. At this point I interrupted the conflict, reminding them that zombies are fictional, hence to knock off the fruitless discussion. I might as well have been mumbling in my sleep.
By the time we arrived at their house, I feared they were on the verge of fisticuffs. Ever the concerned grandpa, I pulled up, ordering them to get out. Listening to their conversation, one would conclude the entire future of the cosmos hung on discovering an answer to this dilemma. I drove away shaking my head at the utter foolishness of worrying over something which has a zero percent chance of happening.
Then I wondered, how often do I allow my anxieties to exaggerate a concern which has virtually no basis of truth? I begin obsessing over finances or health or family. Then my fears spin out of control. Before you can say “living dead,” my worries have moved me so far from reality, you can’t even recognize the original concern. Much like my grandsons, I’m all worked up over a bizarre fantasy.
According to a University of Michigan study, ninety-eight percent of our worries never happen. Pause and think about that. We create ulcers, make ourselves miserable and strain our relationships over stuff that’s not going to happen. Once we step onto “Anxiety Avenue,” it’s hard to reverse our tracks.
Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything” (NLT). Even while being pursued by a maniac who wanted him dead, David wrote, “There’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me?” (Psalms 62:2, TPT). To make sure we get it, he repeats this in verse six. Reflect on those statements. It sure sounds a whole lot better than tossing and turning at night, fretting about stuff I can’t change. Yet that's exactly what we find ourselves doing at times. Whether it's the Coronavirus, the economy or being chased by zombies, wallowing in fear is a waste of time, health and life. There really is no risk of failure with God! So, the best way to kill zombies? Forget about them!
Principle: “Worry about nothing; pray about everything.”
Promise: There’s no risk of failure with God.
Ponder:
What zombie-like fictional fears are you nursing?
How does the promise that “there’s no risk of failure with God” offer you assurance?
Prayer: “Lord you are in charge of all things. There’s no basis for any fear. Free me from the “zombie worries” I create in my mind.”
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Matthew 6:25-34.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotional through art, poetry, a memory, etc.