Worry and stress are seemingly inescapable. Even if you have a relaxed personality—which I for the record do not—you will still face numerous changes that are just part of life and will create stress. If you are already more prone to worry, then any event can cause you to become more and more anxious. 

Sometimes worrying can be helpful. For example, going back over a paper before you submit it to your professor might allow you to make changes that improve your work. On the other hand, spending your time running through all the things that you should have done differently after you’ve already submitted your assignment doesn’t have any productive value. But recognizing this doesn’t always mean that you can just turn off the worry inside your mind. 

As Christians, we know that we are able to rely on God. In Luke 12:22, Jesus tells his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.” For me, this verse is not easy to follow because I tend to worry about everything, big or small.

I like to know when things are going to happen and how. I make plans and then I make back up plans. The amount of joy I have when I get a blank planner is ridiculous. I order the exact same one every single year, and I love color coding everything. 

So, when something in my life seems uncertain, I turn to worrying despite knowing that my worry most likely won’t solve the problem. 

Since we are told that we should not worry, then what should we do instead?

First, we have to pray. Our prayers might be for guidance or for acceptance, but we absolutely have to talk with God about the areas that are causing us to worry. He already knows, so there is no point in trying to pretend that we aren’t worrying. 

Second, and equally as important, once we pray over these areas, then we have to give up our worry to God. We are told, “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)

Most of us are better about bringing our petitions to God than we are at allowing the peace of God to come to us. Once we present our requests to God, we have to trust in His power and goodness. If we continue to worry over something that we’ve already prayed about, then we are not trusting in Him. 

Sometimes, we need to bring our concerns to God multiple times. When I was single, I talked to God about my feelings and my hopes over and over. But I also began to pray to God to relieve my worries about missing the right person or making a wrong decision. 

I’m not going to tell you that my worries always disappeared instantly when I handed them over to God. It was and still is a continual process. Right now, I feel anxiety over beginning a new job, and I have to keep handing my worry over to God about this new change. However, realizing that I can give my worry to God rather than carrying it on my own has made a world of difference in my life. I hope it does the same in yours.

Have you given up your worries to God?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth is an educator at heart. So far this has taken the form of a camp counselor, a museum assistant, and currently a middle school teacher. She loves to watch people grow and learn. You can read more of her writing at her blog Chronicles of a Southern Belle.