Worrying 101

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici

I graduated from college last May (almost a full year ago—hard to believe). As an undergraduate student, my schedule always seemed too full. With taking 17 credit hours, doing homework, reading, leading a freshmen discussion group, participating in dorm events, going to my weekly Bible study, working on the university newspaper, and playing keyboard for my dorm’s worship time, I was constantly worried about the next event on my schedule. I thought that worrying habit would disappear once I graduated.

Now as a beginning career woman, I’m shocked at how my worrying habit hasn’t gone away. Instead, I find myself checking my email during my off hours to see if I’ve missed anything important. I worry about if I really sent that Facebook blast, if I really uploaded that blog post, if I really sent that email to a client. Worrying is a habit, and it doesn’t go away on its own or as the result of a major life change.

Why should I worry about tomorrow’s happenings? Worrying won’t make tomorrow come sooner, and it certainly won’t change the outcome of an event. Instead, worrying is often accompanied by sleep loss, ulcers, bad attitudes, and distraction from our relationships with God.

Matthew 6:34 (NIV) says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter six are not only practical but also for our spiritual lives. The next time you’re tempted to worry about that big project at work, your children’s grades, or your financial future, replace the temptation with God’s word and trust that God holds all things in His hands.

Lord, help me not to become distracted by worries.