Worry

Our lives are filled with worry, aren’t they? I mean anxiety is probably the root of many of our problems in life. Most of us find ways to distract ourselves or medicate ourselves or ignore ourselves so that the anxiety doesn’t overwhelm us. Just consider the way that you fall asleep most nights. Are you able to shut off your brain and simply fall asleep? Or do you have something that you watch, take or use that helps bring those ‘zzzs’? Or consider how you respond to situations or people. Do you avoid certain places because of anxiety or certain people because it’s awkward?
And I’m not here to judge anyone, I have my own coping mechanisms, but I know those are ways I only distract myself from my worries. And I regularly get overwhelmed with anxiety and often even when there isn’t a problem, just a potential problem that I’ve created in my head. Maybe you can relate?
Last week my anxiety hit me harder than normal. And, honestly, I’m not sure where it came from. There were thoughts on finances and relational situations and my kids and thinking about the future and how to pay my debt and work stress and housing stress and the mess at the house and…sigh. Sound familiar? And, unfortunately, I went into research and fix-it mode, which is my natural way to deal with my anxiety. And though I got some answers, in the end it didn’t help. Almost all of my worry and anxiety was not going to be alleviate by doing anything.
And the answer to relieving anxiety can’t be found ‘out there’. There is nothing in this world that will bring us the true peace and rest that we desire. No person. No possession. No job. No situation. Even if all our dreams come true, we’d still be anxious about something (possibly that we’ll lose it all after we’ve gotten it all!). Our pursuit of those things to bring us peace is futile. And that thought alone might bring about a certain amount of anxiety! But it’s also important that we come to realize that. And almost no one would argue with that. Where we might disagree is how we can relieve that anxiety. And, for me, the answer is only found in God.
Jesus very simply tells us: “So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?’ Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you…” Jesus is saying, there are more important things in life than even food and clothes and that when we focus on God, the rest will fall into place. He can help relieve our anxiety, but it takes seeking and trusting him when we worry. I pray we can more and more. God bless.