Worry

I have times when I am anxious (or worry) and those times tend to feed my OCD. For instance, I check my curling irons a bazillion times before leaving the house, and if I don’t, I’ve been known to turn my car around and go back home just to check on them.
I started worrying about storms when I was a teenager. As a young adulthood, my worrying spilled over into my little son and caused him to fear storms. I wanted to modify my behavior (pacing and looking out windows) and thereby change MY reactions to MY anxiety. I formed new behaviors.
Scripture says, “An anxious heart weighs down a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) 
Where fear may be beneficial, worry has never benefitted me one iota.
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” Proverbs 3: 25-26 (NIV)
Anxiety hasn’t:
·         Stopped people from dying.
·         Made a job better.
·         Made a storm disappear.
·         Changed one thing…except my wellbeing.
What worry (or anxiousness) does is compromises the joy of life. Anxiety steals peace.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6-7 (NIV)
Worrying doesn’t change one thing about what happens in my day. Knowing I’m in God’s hands—helps me deal with my worry.

Scripture source: Holy Bible, BibleGateway.com

Comments

And most of what we worry about never happens. We need to just let go and let God take care of it.
Tracy said…
Hey T-
I read once that worry is an insult to God...because you are not trusting Him. So when I find myself worrying, I stop and say a quick prayer to take it off my shoulders. NOT saying it's easy, but a reminder that like you said, worry gets us nowhere and helps no situation.
hugs..
Summer Ross said…
Worry is one of the hardest things for me to let go as well, though I have gotten a great deal better at it. I know my thinking about what 'might' happen isn't going to change or fix anything that has already happened or is happening. Great post.
I always enjoy and benefit from your Sunday spiritual thoughts. I don't have anxiety about storms or curling iron but other things and really dislike that uncomfortable pit in my stomach that comes with anxiety.
Nick Wilford said…
I'm a natural worrier but I'm trying to work on it. I do agree that it doesn't change a situation at all, and I also worry disproportionately to how bad things actually are. Not a good use of energy!
Anonymous said…
Every now and then, I welcome fear. It gives me an opportunity to nurture the more courageous side of me. But when I can't find a reason for my anxiety, that's when it becomes a problem, and the quality of my life is greatly reduced.
Betty Manousos said…
brilliant post, teresa!!

it's funny that most of what we worry about never happens, but i have to admit i'm a natural worrier. i need to work on it although it takes so much effort...

Popular Posts