Worried About Sharks

In 1973, Spielberg was hired to make a movie based on Peter Benchley's novel about shark attacks called Jaws. The movie was so scary that even to this day millions of Americans panic when they get wind that a shark might be present in their beach area. A persistent shark phobia keeps people away from the beach.  

But, an article* in Foreign Policy magazine claims that on average less than one American (0.92 people) dies each year from a shark attack.  

So just in case you really need something better to worry about, here's a list of some items more likely than sharks to cause your death while living in the United States:  

  • Trampolines account for an average of 1.1 deaths per year.  
  • Roller coasters take 1.15 lives per year.  
  • Free-standing kitchen-range tip-overs cause 1.31 deaths per year.  
  • Vending machines account for 2.06 deaths per year.  
  • Riding lawnmowers take 5.22 lives per year. 
  • Fireworks cause 6.6 deaths per year.  
  • Skydiving accidents account for 21.2 deaths per year.  
  • Getting crushed by a television or furniture causes an average of 26.44 deaths every year in the United States.  

Actually, the Bible teaches us not to worry. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” By the grace of God, our minds and thoughts can be transformed so we experience the peace of God instead of worry and anxiety.  

When anxious or worried…Rejoice in the Lord (always). Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  

When anxious or worried…Relate carefully with others. Philippians 4:5, Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 

When anxious or worried...Relieve anxiety by praying. Philippians 4:6, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  

When anxious or worried...Reflect on praiseworthy things. Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

 

Your brother in Christ, 

Brian Autry

 

* Source: Micah Zenko, "There's Nothing in the Water ..." Foreign Policy (8-10-12) 

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