Stop Worrying
Why do we worry?
We all do it. Jesus tells us not to but we still do it anyway. Why?
Because it feels productive. It feels like we’ve done something toward a problem in our lives or in the world. And when that problem is resolved, well of course our worry got us there.
We know that’s not true but it feels true. Once the problem is resolved the worry goes away so we associate the worry with the solution.
Sitting in the uncertainty makes us face a whole host of issues and emotions that we just don’t want to deal with. Sitting in the uncertainty makes us face just how powerless we are. It isn’t a good feeling. It’s worse than worry. So we worry. And in worrying we deny God the opportunity to show us His power in our lives. We don’t give God our weaknesses. We give him our worry yet not completely. We hold onto the other end of it knowing that if we let go we will face our weaknesses and truly live on faith.
That is scary but not worthy of our fear.
Wrestling with God is normal. It is a healthy part of our faith. Continuing to wrestle with God, even when we know it is pointless, is exhausting and distracts us from using our energy towards something more life affirming.
Who of us by worrying has added even a moment to their lives? Not a damn soul. Face your fears. Stop worrying. God will stop wrestling and show up in a mighty way.
Until Everyone Hears,
Thank you for showing us how human you are. You are very right – all worry does us waste time. Time we could spend praying. I still feel that I don’t know how to pray – but, I’m willing to learn.
I think prayer is something you never “master” but you live into more easily the more you do it. I hope it always keeps a bit of its mystery. I’m fairly certain it will.