There’s no way around the fact that I have a bad habit of worrying. Throughout my life I have found myself worrying about almost anything and everything. I remember my 4th grade teacher would call me a “worry wart” because I'd worry constantly about my grades and upcoming tests. In addition, my dad has (very lovingly) referred to me as "my mom times two" since I am so much like her, yet have a tendency to worry twice as much as she does.
When I played basketball in junior high I would often worry for days before a game to the point of almost making myself sick. I also remember the worry and anxiety I would feel before horse shows, dance team try outs, choir auditions, school projects, and every other little thing in between. I'll never forget the sense of worry that overwhelmed me my senior year of college when I didn’t have a plan for what I wanted to do or where I'd go after graduating. From small to major decisions and experiences in my life, it's safe to say that I have often approached each one with the same lurking sense of worry and anxiety.
I believe worry stems greatly from fear. Fear of being defeated. Fear of something happening to a loved one. Fear of not being able to make a difference in this world. Fear of never finding a specific “calling.” Fear of what may come next in life.
Fear and worry hinder us from surrendering everything to God. To live in fear is to basically tell God that we don’t trust him. Fear is the exact opposite of faith. Our faith ensures us that God is in control and that he has a purpose and plan for our lives, but fear disables us from truly believing that in our own lives.
Throughout my life there have been countless moments of worry, followed by a comforting voice that tells me to “Be still and know that I am God.” I realize in those moments that I must let go of my worry and wholeheartedly trust God. I must replace worry with prayer. I must realize that God is my helper, my keeper, my deliver, my shelter, my comforter, and He is the great I AM. I must realize that He can handle absolutely anything that comes my way.
What have I to really fear? For all the times I have worried, God has so faithfully provided and seen me through each and every time. God has never once proven unfaithful, and He's never let me down. Not once. I know that Christ lives in me and equips me with everything I need to thrive and enjoy this life he's blessed me with. I'm thankful that I'm not alone in this journey.
I’ve recently found encouragement in the book by Elizabeth George called Breaking the Worry Habit…Forever. The following insert from the book challenges me to let go of my worry habit for good.
“The truth is, worrying goes against God’s will for your life....Worrying is a bad habit. It offends God. And it damages your life and health…Worry is definitely one of the actions that takes your eyes off God. Worry says that “this” (whatever “this” is that you’re worrying about) is something that can’t be handled by God, with God, or by His grace. This attitude is the exact opposite of trusting God…The goal of spiritual growth is to exchange the bad habit of worrying with the excellent habit of trusting God.”
I also find great encouragement from the following verses:
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
