Worry

Have you ever been in that state of mind where you ‘think’ you are so… busy?  The kind of busy you just don’t think you could get everything done?  What about in that state of mind where you are unsure of your future?  Will you have enough money?  Work stability?  A relationship?  This unsure feeling and anxious overload emotion is simply titled worry.  

Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength… Corrie Ten Boom

I think we have all been there – in that state of mind wondering what tomorrow will bring?  Or so overwhelmed that you just can’t even think how you’ll complete the day’s tasks.  I certainly have – on many occasions.  To be honest, I was just in that state recently.  My work list growing with each hour no matter how many items I check off complete, only to come home and jump right into dinner prep or paying house bills, only to head right back to work to run an office. By the end of the day, I’m not only exhausted, but emotionally drained.  

Some of you may relate to this.

Some of you may relate to lying awake at night or agonizing over how to pay your bills, buy groceries, which mortgage or car payment option is best or even – if you are a young adult in today’s world – how to pay rent, get married, afford a car and actually live?  

Aside:  I would think many young adults today are fretting over this which is why many return home in order to save money and have the safety of ‘home’ to comfort them. They are putting their dreams on hold much more frequently.

I am reading a devotional right now called Don’t Worry.  A pretty simple title, but an important reminder.  God does not want us to worry about tomorrow (or the future).  He will give you grace and what you need for today.  That may be hard to comprehend and even sink deep in your soul, but it’s the truth.  

I believe much of our day-to-day stress comes down to the fact of ‘better get it done – tomorrow could be worse’.  ‘If I leave it, it’ll just pile up’.  ‘That payment option fits my budget today, but in the long run, how will I save for the future?”

All of these points are valid; however, it paints the picture of worrying about tomorrow. 

For example, my to-do lists (as mentioned above) can get way out of hand.  I tend to do this on Mondays in fear of the rest of the week piling up and never being able to get ahead.  What is actually humourous…. is that after I complete the list on Monday (and yes, I more than often stress and obsess over getting that list of 20 growing items complete), the rest of the week my lists are so minimal.  If I would just set a daily goal and spread out my ‘to-do’s, my day would be less stressful and my week a lot calmer and more productive.  More of a balance between work and fun.  

With regards to the other scenario of worrying about tomorrow and the amount of payments and budgeting that happens, well, in my life experience, God provides.  A lot can change.  Whether that is in a day, a month, a year, or many years, your financial pocket can (and most likely will) change for the better.  

Worrying is an unhealthy mental loop that goes round and round and it rarely leads to a solution.  It only leads to distraction, lack of sleep, and anguish.  It doesn’t prevent tomorrow’s problems, it only empties your peace today.  To break this habit, try to shift your focus to what you are thankful for.  Gratitude is a worry-breaker!  Gratitude can replenish your peace.

Aside:  To read more about Gratitude, click HERE.

So, to keep it simple, only think about today.  Tomorrow will bring its own challenges.  Worrying won’t change tomorrow, it will only steal away today.  Focus on what you can handle today and trust that tomorrow will bring its own answers and strength when it arrives.  

You are strong.  

You are courageous.

You are capable.

And you’ve got this!  

Trust in today – it’s the only place worry can’t win.