Is it Worth Your Worry?

Is It Worth Your Worry?

By Gloria Calhoun, M.Ed.

Worrying is feeling uneasy or overly concerned about a situation or problem. With excessive worrying, your mind and body go into overdrive as you constantly focus on what might happen. It is one of the biggest things that can drain the life and energy out of you.

When I think back on the things that had me in shambles fifteen years ago, I can’t help but laugh because now they are irrelevant. I can’t believe I spent so much time and energy on nothing. Looking ahead ten years from now, I know that many of the things that seem urgent today will no longer matter. In fact, they may even be things I laugh about later.

Scripture reminds us not to be anxious:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)

If God tells us to cast our cares on Him, and He promises to keep us in perfect peace when our mind is fixed on Him, then why worry? Jesus said:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” — Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

Worry is not harmless. It robs us of sleep, affects our health, drains our energy, and damages relationships. Some turn to harmful habits in an attempt to cope—overeating, smoking, or drinking—yet worry never solves the problem. At best, it leaves us stuck. At worst, it makes us sick.

But Jesus never told us not to have concern for real responsibilities. If your car breaks down in traffic, of course you should be alert and careful. Instead, what Jesus forbids is the constant, consuming anxiety that pulls us away from trusting God.

Our only biblical response to life’s difficulties is to place them in the hands of our Heavenly Father. Run to Christ in prayer. Don’t let worry rob you of peace. When you cast your burdens on Him, He will never fail you.

Everyone faces storms, but Jesus is our anchor. He is our Rock, our Provider, our Deliverer. If His eye is on the sparrow, surely His eye is on you. If you feel like you’re sinking, remember—His hand is always reaching out to lift you up.

Scripture for Meditation

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Mindful Moment

Take a deep breath.

Name the one thing that has been weighing most heavily on your heart.

Now, picture yourself placing it into God’s hands.

Repeat slowly: “God cares for me. I trust Him with this.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding me that I do not have to carry the weight of my worries. Teach me to release every burden into Your hands and trust that You are working all things together for my good. Replace my anxious thoughts with Your peace, my fears with Your promises, and my doubts with faith. Help me to live with a heart fixed on You, confident that You care for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.