Why Do I Worry?

The dreaded news came to my house today. As soon as the word hit my ears my stomach began to churn in nervous fear: lice.

I know, thank God, it’s not cancer. But to a mom of little kids this word holds an incredible amount of terror. We had been exposed, now it was time to check and wait and re-check and keep waiting and hope and pray and check again… until you are beyond positive that enough time has passed that it is no longer a threat. I never considered myself a worry-inclined person, I don’t struggle with anxiety, and my -most of the time- instant response to situations is ‘God’s in control’. So why is this hitting me so hard? Why am I so paralyzed by fear? It doesn’t help that my head is itching just thinking about it….

I was raised on Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV) I know better than to let myself be controlled by my worst-case-scenario thoughts. The Bible gives clear directions on how to take your thoughts captive and live without fear, worry or anxiety – but it’s like a road map: just reading it won’t take you there. I have to make the choice to change.

In Philippians 4:6 we’re told, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV) That’s the directive. Then, in verse 7, he tells us how to do it:

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV)

God never promised bad things wouldn’t come our way, but that when they do he will provide the grace to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). What he did promise, however, is that if we obey and keep our thoughts from going hog-wild-crazy and instead choose to trust him, he will give us peace. All-sufficient, all-encompassing, amazing, heart-guarding, beyond-our-understanding peace.

The choice we have to make is placing all of that fear, worry or anxiety in his more-than-capable hands and instead accepting his peace. Trusting him to be all sufficient is a scary first step, but I promise if you do you won’t be disappointed!

So while I don’t know whether or not that dreaded 4-letter-word has come to visit our house (and despite the fact that I can’t stop itching the living daylights out of my scalp just thinking about it), I’m choosing to trust him and take his peace. He can have my worry, fear and dread – I’m refusing to be anxious about anything.

This passage on anxiety starts off with the original DIY guide to getting rid of worry:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4-5 NIV)

It really is so simple, isn’t it? Peace comes from knowing the Truth, and Truth comes from saturating your mind in the Word of God.

Have you conquered worry and anxiety? What are some ways God’s taught you to choose peace? Leave a comment – I’d love to hear from you!

❤ Jasmine

{UPDATE: ^^^We don’t have lice! God is so good!^^^}

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