Keeping the Faith: Worrying

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

As college students, there is quite a list of things that may provoke us to worry. Too much homework, a big test, relationship problems and time-consuming commitments are just a few popular examples. So if we each have our very own lengthy list of things we can be worrying about, why shouldn't we? Well, for one thing, physiologically speaking, it's not exactly healthy. Also, we don't need to.

Instead, try asking for help. Philippians 4:6-7 says this:  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

God loves you more than humanly imaginable, and He is on your team (see John 3:16 & Romans 8:28).

Many people worry when they've got a lot going on. It's very natural, but not so much beneficial or necessary. Why not? Because you absolutely can bear the load that you have been given. All you have to do is listen and trust. Rely on your Creator. Ask for His help if you need it or complain if that helps. God will never tune you out.

 If you feel like you are doing too much, but don't know what to give up, seek His help in your decision. Matthew 7:7 (NIV) says, "Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened for you." He may not give you an audible answer, but He'll let you know if you just listen. Keep in mind, it is arguably harder to listen effectively when an answer isn't audible. Exercise your patience, though, and you'll hear it.

Let me clarify, before moving on to the importance of Philippians 4:7, that not worrying ever is extraordinarily difficult. If you ask any friend that I have, they'd likely tell you I am a worrier. Even the term is distasteful. But when I am reminded of verses like Philippians 4:7 and Jeremiah 29:11, I find myself worrying much less.

In Philippians 4:7 we are introduced to another very good reason for not worrying. Peace. God's peace. It's an unexplainable and glorious feeling—for me, at least—knowing God has me in His hands. To know that nothing will ever come to me that I can't overcome with Him is indescribable.

It does take trust, though, and that isn't an easy thing. What makes it simpler for me, is recognizing that I have made it this far, with Him. When things go wrong, when people pass away and when life just plain isn't fair, God has us. It doesn't mean it won't hurt. It doesn't mean life is easy. It isn't. We just have to get past that. Besides, if it's going to hurt and be hard, it's nice to know we at least aren't alone.

So instead of worrying about that big test or whatever it is that is currently a stressor for you, talk to God about it. Ask Him to fill you with His peace. After all, it is a much better feeling than worry.