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