“Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere”- Erma Bombeck
To me, worry and fear seem to be intertwined. We worry because we fear the future and because we have no control over what might happen. We worry we don’t fit in, we worry that we’re being judged, we fear failure or worry we’re inadequate. Sometimes, our worries are rational and occasionally they materialise, but one survey revealed that 92 percent of our worries waste our time and energy, causing stress needlessly. According to the study, 40 percent of our worries centre on things that never actualise and 30 percent of them focus on past actions and events that cannot be changed or altered. The factual evidence might confirm the time and mind-consuming nature of our fears and worries, yet the Bible continues to offer hope by telling us that as followers of Christ, “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). This perfect love “casts out all fear” (1 John 4:8) and God’s presence within us allows us to be “bold as lions” (Proverbs 28:1).
However, often when we’re in the midst of worry and fear, the truth is hard to relate to. In my own experience, worry makes me tunnel-visioned; I focus solely on the potential or actual problem rather than a way out. It is as if I am sleepwalking through the day, my mind whirring like a washing machine thinking of the endless possibilities that could occur, but not taking any practical steps to reduce my worry or solve the problem. If worry is used as a mechanism to analyse a situation, weigh up whether something is potentially harmful to ourselves or others, and push us to find a solution to reduce the risk, it can be a constructive survival strategy. However, more often than not, when we worry, our minds are like stuck records; the same scenario plays over and over in our heads and each time it repeats, the situation gets worse and worse. Worry PARALYSES us. We can end up moving through the day with our minds busy, doing nothing. The Bible poses the question; “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27).
SPOILER- By worrying, we use up energy and time, leaving us with very little reserve for anything else. Worrying doesn’t add a single hour to your life, it doesn’t change tomorrow or the past but it does take away today’s peace and productivity.
Not only this, but worrying can also stop us from PRAISING Jesus. We can become so focused on our current issue that we don’t stop to see Jesus answering our prayers or even witness how Jesus is using our situation to build character; our worry becomes like a large storm cloud blocking out the past, current and future blessings in our lives. In Luke 10:38-42 Jesus chooses to spend some time with two of his dearest friends, Mary and Martha. Despite the rarity of the occasion, it is only Mary who chooses to listen and worship him. Martha on the other hand frets about preparing a meal for Jesus. Jesus says to her “Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her”. In your current situation, are you a Mary or a Martha? Are you busy worrying or worshipping? Being fearful or thankful? The truth is, when we are so busy praising God there will be little or no room for fear or worry.
Not only this, but we must remember that nowhere in the Bible does it say “deal with this worry by yourself” or “figure this out on your own”. In fact, it says “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7) and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). What Jesus tells us to do in our moments of panic and our times of turmoil is to acknowledge his strength, to recognise that he is our greatest Comforter and Encourager. He asks us to “not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6-7). God knows that we struggle and that we will have trials and difficulties but He wants us to draw close to Him, so that He can draw close to us. He wants us to pick up the phone and tell Him our problems. So next time you’re panicking - PRAY.
As C.S Lewis writes “prayer doesn’t change God; it changes me”. Praying to Jesus means we are letting go of control and handing it over to Jesus. We’re getting out of the driver’s seat and allowing Jesus to take the wheel. It means “we can laugh without fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25) because “all the days ordained for us were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). God holds your future in His hands, His desire is to lavish His love on you; even in the bleakest situations “God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). When you are feeling fearful, remember who your Heavenly Father is and how much He loves and cares for you. When you feel like you’re drowning in life, just know that your lifeguard can walk on water! Nothing is impossible for Him.
When we stop trying to deal with the situation on our own and share our burdens with Jesus, (Matthew 11:28-30) we can receive PEACE. Our minds will stop whirring and will begin to centre on Jesus and His plans for our life. We can be still and know God is continuing to fight for us (Exodus 14:14). The fact is our problems are so insignificant compared to the God who is by our side. The Narnia film collection, based on the C.S Lewis books, illustrates this idea perfectly. Many of the stories are allegorical and, Aslan the lion, who comes to the children when they are facing their enemies and their biggest fears, is meant to represent Jesus. In the fourth book of the Chronicles of Narnia Collection (The Silver Chair) C.S Lewis writes; “I have come," said a deep voice behind them. They turned and saw the Lion himself, so bright and real and strong that everything else began at once to look pale and shadowy compared with him.” This is what happens to our worries when we pray; “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7). Worry is replaced by peace.
So, let’s stop worrying about how or when or whether something will happen. Instead, start trusting God for every single ‘what if?’, because where your faith starts, your worry will end…
Putting it into Practice:
John 16:33 says "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus knows that we will experience hardships and that it is natural to worry, but Jesus says we don't need to face these difficulties alone. He asks us to recognize that he is in control and by our side. Perhaps you are overcome by worry today; I have created a Worry box, which has helped me hand over control to God. I write down the things I am worrying about and then place them into the box, and as I do so, I ask God to answer my prayers and give me peace. This helps me to physically let go of my worries. Frequently, I re-read the pieces of paper that record my anxieties and realise that God has answered my prayers. Throwing them away helps me remember God's faithfulness.
Listening to songs that proclaim the truth about Jesus' power and peace can also settle anxious thoughts. Here are a few of my favourites;
Everything by Lauren Daigle
Trust in You by Lauren Daigle
Hills and Valleys by Tauren Wells
It is Well by Bethel Music
Every Giant Will Fall by Rend Collective