Worry Wars

Maybe you’re like me. If you grew up in the church, it might be second nature to pray about everything. After all, you want to share whatever is going on in your life with Jesus, your Best Friend.

So you ask God to help you face the challenges at school. Will you be able to pass the algebra test? What about physics? English literature?

You pray about your relationships. Why can’t adults remember what it was like to be a teen? Can the misunderstanding be healed between you and a former friend?

Worry steps up with every question.

I have an exercise to help me deal with anxiety. I mentally place my worry in a box and tie the box with red ribbon. I give the package to God and experience a tranquil moment.

But, sometimes, another question pops into my mind, and I grab back my worry. After more prayer, I place the situation in God’s hands to regain a sense of peace. But the cycle repeats. Again and again.

One night, the worry war went into overtime. My exercise wasn’t working. Exhausted, I finally said, “God, I can’t give you my worry. Just take it, please.†Then, the anxiety of that evening lifted, and I drifted off to peaceful sleep.

In the daily battle of worry, turn to Jesus, who walks beside His people, who has experienced the hurts of this broken world, and who promises to one day destroy sin, death, and suffering completely when He returns (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 21:1-5). • Esther M. Bailey

• Anxiety is a complicated and often lifelong issue and sometimes requires counseling, medication, or other treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—from God or from the people He’s put in your life. When you struggle with anxiety, who is a trusted person—such as a pastor, counselor, or friend—you can talk with?

• What are some things you are anxious about? Talk to God about them in the space below. He cares about you and your needs (Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7).

• As Christians, we are never alone (Matthew 28:20). Read Matthew 6:25-34. What truths from this passage stick out to you?

• We live in a broken world where anxiety is a reality. The good news is that Jesus’ death and resurrection were the beginning of the end of suffering for His people. Jesus’ death destroyed the power of sin, and His resurrection destroyed the power of death. Anxiety will not have the last word for those who put their trust in Jesus, who promises to return to complete what He started—to free His people from sin and death (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Revelation 21:1-5). How can these promises give you hope during lifelong struggles?

• Come up with an activity to fight worry or anxiety, such as singing a truth-filled song, taking a walk, making a list of things you’re grateful for, or planting a flower and marveling at God’s creativity.

• If you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service.

In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment.

In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Matthew 6:25-34