Wouldn’t life be simpler if we didn’t worry? As a missionary kid I’ve never known a lot of stable ground. The future almost always looks uncertain and tomorrow, well…we’ll get there when we get there. In a way, it’s a blessing because it reminds me to live in the moment. But we all know that the unknown is hard.
We humans are quick to worry. Don’t deny it, friend, because we both know it’s true. We worry and then we worry about being worried and then we worry about being worried that we’re worried. Complicated? Yes.
And I’m here to quietly remind you: when the sky looks hazy, don’t worry.
Be Still and Rest
Take a deep breath and allow yourself to rest in your Savior’s arms. Easier said than done, I know. Unfortunately, you can’t just successfully whisper to yourself: “stop it. Don’t worry.” I know. But it helps to find ways to relieve stress and pray at the same time. For example, I find that playing an instrument or working out while praying not only helps me decompress but it also helps me sort through things. Try to combine prayer with one of your passions and give yourself time to get away from the chaos of life and focus on God. It helps.
Another thing to note is that making this a regular habit works better than just doing it whenever you’re feeling extra anxious. Spending time with God daily, first thing in the morning, sets your day on the right course. It may not sound like much, but if I miss spending time with God for even one day, I notice the difference. Your spiritual life will impact your emotional health.
Let Go
There are things you can control and things you can’t. If you’re a control freak like me that’s a tough bite to swallow, sorry, friend. But it’s the truth. Awhile ago I made a list of things I could control and things I simply couldn’t. Then I prayed that God would help me let go of the things I couldn’t control.
I know it’s hard to let go, yet, on the other hand, clinging to something that isn’t yours to hold will only drag you farther and farther into the pit of anxiety and worry. So, write it on a mirror, hang it on your wall, put it in your journal: don’t worry. And breathe. Today is today, tomorrow’s tomorrow. What you can’t change wasn’t yours to change in the first place. Don’t worry.
It’s okay if you’re not strong enough to let go on your own. I’m not either. You don’t have to be strong enough, just willing. If your heart is willing and your motives pure, God will not ignore that. He will see you through. You don’t have to do it all on your own. You can’t.
He can.
Think on These Things
When I was a little girl, my grandparents did what they called Grandparent Camp every Saturday with all of us grandchildren. During this time, we did a variety of things, from little adventures, like scavenger hunts and visiting fun landmarks, to acts-of-service, like singing in nursing homes and raking yards. But my favorite memory is reciting Philippians 4:8. Every week. Before we did anything…we recited that verse.
Why?
Looking back, I think there are two reasons: 1) my grandparents fear God and truly desire the same for their grandchildren, and 2) they wanted to instill this beautiful verse in our hearts for moments of uncertainty in our broken world.
The verse says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”—Philippians 4:8
Think on these things.
So, dear anxious one: don’t worry. When you feel your heartbeat racing and you’re overwhelmed with unknowns, just take a deep breath and “think on these things.” Think on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, a good report, virtuous, praiseworthy…think on those things. Don’t worry, friends. It’s not worth it. It’s not worth the burden, it’s not worth the anxiety. Don’t worry.
He Already Knows
The beauty of it all is this: God already knows. He sees your tomorrow; He cares about your needs for today. He knows. He saw every obstacle coming into view long before you ever did. He knows what will worry you tomorrow and what overwhelms you today.
When nothing in your life makes sense and the ground is insecure: God is the same. He stays steadfast. He remains. And He already knows.
Ooh Philippians 4:8 is a wonderful verse! I love working out, and this post gave me the idea to try praying while I work out. I’ve tried reading my Bible while I workout but that’s never quite, well, worked out XD.
Eyy, I’m glad it gave you that idea! I’ve prayed while working out before and love it <3 (and I totally get how reading your Bible while working out might be a wee bit difficult xD).
Love this. <3
Thank you, friend <3
This is a wonderful post… So much truth. Thanks for sharing ☺️
Thank you, Hope! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. 💛
Such beautiful, true writing! Thank you.
Thank you! 💛
Taking that deep breath now as I start my work day at the computer. God reminded me on my Abba Walk this morning that I was lapsing into a critical spirit–picky things really. But heart revealing. A subtle undercurrent of undefined discontent, the Adamic nature rearing its ugly head. My walk with Him lifted my eyes to the blue sky, my ears to the chirping birds, my gaze to a neighbor’s garden that I routinely choose to stroll by and linger to enjoy. All touches of my Creator-Redeemer God. And now your post reminder. Ah yes, God is good indeed and His mercies are new every morning. Ready to work with a quiet heart.
Eyy, I absolutely loved reading that comment; so beautiful. 💛
This is amazing! I do tend to worry way to much and this has helped me find ways to help me. <3
I thought Grandparent Camp was on Fridays?
The days changed depending on when it worked best. It might have been on Fridays for the majority of the time that you all were stateside!
Wow, this post hit me where I was having trouble. Thank you, Rue!
Aw, I’m glad to hear that, friend.