Worry Wars?

Stop worrying they said. It will be fine, another chimed in. My friends always stand at the ready with an enthusiastic, “Everything will work itself out. Stop worrying”.

I get what everyone is trying to do: which is put my mind at ease. But, I know too much. Most of us past elementary age realize everything will not always turn out fine. Life can suck! Grandma can still die of cancer no matter how much or how little you worry.

Attacked by Fear

The mirror was completely misted over from my extra long shower. I needed to inspect my face. Seriously, how long can these dark circles last? I’m doing all I can to fall asleep, but nothing is working. These dark saggy bags under my eyes are a dead giveaway that something is off. Ironically, I feel worried about worrying. What the heck?

These saggy eye bags are the tip of the iceberg. Many chronic worriers, experience migraines or extremely painful tension headaches.

A simple Google search about chronic worry will bring up WebMd’s popular article which sites that excessive worry,

If it sticks around long enough, something as small as a nagging concern in the back of your mind can affect your heart. It can make you more likely to have high blood pressure, a heart attack, or a stroke. Higher levels of anxiety can trigger those stress hormones that make your heart beat faster and harder. If that happens over and over, your blood vessels may get inflamed, which can lead to hardened artery walls, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and other problems. (https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/ss/slideshow-worry-body-effects)

As an avid Bible reader, I’ve read dozens of verses that admonish us against worrying.

I’m guilty of being that friend who spews a scripture or two in the hopes that it will magically take away your worries and fears. The truth is, I most likely didn’t know what else to say during that awkward time of silence. I’m sorry.

Just Give Up?

Does that mean we should throw in the towel and let worry run rampant in our minds and arteries? You and I both know that sounds ridiculous and deadly.

The alternative isn’t to go peacefully down the rabbit hole of worry and fear while ignoring sage advice and biblical wisdom.

So what are the alternatives you ask?

I find it helpful to say what I’m worried about out loud. I say how I’m feeling in prayer and I purposefully ask God to help me. I tell him everything I’m thinking and feeling like he’s my therapist and I’m reclining on his ultrasoft chaise lounge. I pour out my heart. I pour out the stuff I keep hidden. I tell him what keeps me up at night. I also tell him the ‘What if’ scenarios I’ve conjured up in fear. I’ve been known to take a legitimate worry and magnify it about a thousand times. Yes- It’s one of my superpowers.

Here’s what we need to remember going forward. Excessive worry, anxiety, and fear may require professional counseling. Just keep that in mind. Call a professional quickly before it becomes another thing to worry about.

Is Faith Worthless?

And now to address the elephant in the room. For those of you who know of my faith-based beliefs, you might be wondering, “Did she just dis the bible and the power of sharing scripture?” Is she saying it doesn’t work for those who have worries?

Ummm., No!

I’m saying quite the opposite. I’ve been guilty of throwing scriptures at people like an ax thrower at the county fair. During those times my motive was most likely to sound knowledgeable and puffed up, so I said what sounded good at the time.

On the flip side, I’ve encouraged others intending to help them and love them through their pain.

The truth is, I don’t think I fully understand why the bible says “Do not fear”. A quick search reveals the phrase appears at least 365 times in scripture. That’s a Do Not Fear for every day in a year!

Here’s what we know with certainty. Worry is rooted in fear. The question remains, how can scripture help us stop quaking in our proverbial boots? Take a look at these popular scriptures.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

God gave us a spirit, not of fear but power and love and self-control.

1 John 4:18 ESV

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Isaiah 41:13 ESV

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Joshua 1:9 ESV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 23:4 ESV /

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Scripture Acknowledges Our Fear

The Bible acknowledges that we all experience fear and worry. It also blatantly points out that we are not alone. Ever wonder why?

Worry is an isolating activity. It holds us, hostage, in our minds and bodies. Worry is designed to create separation that leads to destruction; both physical and mental.

The Bible is offering us an antidote. Nearly every scripture listed reminds us that God is present with us. These scriptures don’t say that if you read one, it will fix all of your problems. Scripture reminds us that even while worrying, God is with us. And his word introduces new thoughts that oppose fear and stand up to worry.

Most importantly, We are reminded that God is with us.

He is with you. Period!

Worry makes us forget that friends, family, and above all God are present with us; rooting for us. It’s that kind of love that keeps us tethered to hope.

Worry is real. But so is the presence of God. Lean into Him. Let his presence and his word bring you peace amid worry and fear. He is waiting…