A Tale of too Much Worry
My name is Holly, and I am a self-confessed worrier. For the past two days, I’ve experienced a rare sensation: being worry-free. While two days may not seem like a monumental achievement to some, for someone like me, who tends to worry incessantly, it’s a significant milestone.
If we were to delve deep into the hearts of most women, many would admit to grappling with worry. Over the years, numerous conversations with women have unveiled this common struggle. While women, as nurturers, may be more predisposed to worrying, it’s a battle that extends to men as well. Worry seems to be ingrained in our human nature, forming an unhealthy loop that we must strive to break.
A few months back, I had a stark realization, I had a worrying problem, a substantial one at that. Specifically, I struggled with catastrophizing in situations where I lacked all the answers (which, let’s face it, it most of the time). Can you relate to that tendency?
Have you ever found yourself fabricating elaborate scenarios that inevitably end in disaster because you anticipate things falling apart? It’s almost as if you’re preemptively bracing yourself for the disappointment you believe is destined to arrive. I’ve perfected this art. However, I began to recognize the detrimental impact it had on various facets of my life and made the conscious decision to seek solace in God. Living under the weight of constant worry is draining, and I refuse to let it exhaust me indefinitely. This realization prompted me to embark on a quest for PEACE.
During my pursuit of peace, I stumbled upon John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
When God spoke those words to me, all I craved was a peace that emanated from Him, a peace that only He could bestow. You see, worldly peace is fleeting. I struggle to recall a peace treaty that has endured the test of time. Wars erupt annually, disrupting any semblance of tranquility. However, God’s peace, now, that peace is eternal. For God embodies peace; He is the very source of it.
Another scripture that brought me immense solace is Philippians 4:7: “ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace transcends human comprehension and stands as a sentinel, safeguarding your heart and mind. What a profound verse. The term “guard” here evokes imagery of sentry stationed at the gates. Peace desires to stand at the threshold of your heart, shielding it from the anxieties of this world. Isn’t that something you yearn for?
True peace isn’t synonymous with absence of trouble. In many societies, peace is perceived as the absence of adversity or negativity. However, God’s peace thrives amid tumultuous times. It serves as a bastion when the storms rage, the winds howl, and circumstances appear dire. Yet, to embrace this peace, you must harbor a trusting heart. Troubled hearts often stem from a lack of faith in God, giving rise to worry. It necessitates unwavering confidence in God’s supremacy over any situation or trial. When you exhibit faith in His omnipotence, He bestows upon you a peace that defies all logic and understanding.
How to Have Peace:
The cornerstone of this quest for peace lies in a deep appreciation for His word. Psalm 119:165 affirms this truth: “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” For those who immerse themselves in God’s word, peace abounds. Cultivating a love and hunger for scripture is essential. When you saturate yourself with the promises of God, how can doubt or worry find a place within you? There will be no space for anxiety if your heart and mind are brimming with his word!
While there is much more to explore about peace, the constraints of space and time limit us here. Yet, what remains crystal clear is that God embodies peace, and it emanates from Him. What He asks of you is unwavering faith and unshakable trust. It's a deliberate pursuit of peace.
My prayer is that when you encounter challenging and uncharted territories, you resist the urge to worry and instead chase after peace. I acknowledge that this lesson is pivotal in my current season of life, and I aspire to one day declare that I was once a worrier, but by the grace of God, I have become a conqueror through Jesus Christ, with peace reigning in my life! I extend this prayer to you as well.
Here are a few additional verses on peace and prayerful reflection: Psalm 29:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Romans 14:19 and Isaiah 26:3.