Have you ever thought about where your worry stems from? I think when we are made aware of the root of our worry, it can help us understand it. Most times, worry feels uncontrollable. Maybe that's why us worriers dislike it so much.

Most worry is grounded in wanting to be in control of our lives. When this "need to be in control" takes over, we let our circumstances rule our emotions instead of God's truth. Day-by-day, we face an internal battle deep within our souls of wanting the unattainable —to be in control. I think that is why our worry might seem impossible to get rid of: We are playing an unwinnable game—trying to gain control over our lives.

Here are a few questions that will help clarify if the need to be in control is present in your life:

• Have you ever not done something because you couldn't control the outcome?

• Have you ever not gone on a trip because you couldn't control what happened in-between leaving and coming home?

• Have you ever opted out of something because dealing with the worry was not worth stepping out of your comfort zone?

If you said “yes” to any of these questions, the worry you think you are so in control of is actually controlling you.

How do we move past this?  When dealing with worry, I sometimes feel like it's impossible to do anything about it. So I blame it on others or my circumstances and pretend like it's something that is just a part of me. Unfortunately, in an effort to avoid worrying, I often miss out on many opportunities and experiences that have the potential to be really amazing.  

Initially, I didn’t realize my worry was actually a need for me to be in control. Once I made this connection, I was able to begin letting go so that God could step in and control things for me. It didn’t come easily, though. I found myself doubting God’s ability to control things better than I could. I also still felt worry even though I knew God could handle any situation that might arise. Reciting Scripture became a way to bring me calm and to remind me of God’s power and ability.

I developed three questions and Scriptural responses that helped me fight against worry, and I would like to share them with you:

Question: Are you worried about how people will respond to what you do or say?

Response: You are not in control of others and their actions.

“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” -Exodus 14:14 ESV

Question: What am I in control of?

Response: You are in control of how you respond in your circumstances.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” -Galatians 5:13 ESV

Question: When life feels out of control who or what can I rely on?

Response: Ultimately, God is the only One who is fully in control; He is guiding and leading you with the Truth.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” -Proverbs 16:9 ESV

By using these three questions and Scriptural responses as a guide, you can respond to your worry, understand where it is coming from, and choose to trust in God and His control.

When we act as though we are in control, we put ourselves above God and His ability to work in our lives. As a result, we are consumed by worry and our inability to direct our lives according to our desires. I challenge you, as a daily reminder, to say, “I can't control how others respond, I can only control how I respond. Ultimately, I trust that God is in control.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Moriah Spencer and I’m an English Major at Nyack College. Ever since I was young I have had a passion to create. Whether that be writing a story, painting, or decorating my room. God has given me a desire to share how He has changed my life and I am excited to take you along on my journey!