When Worry Creeps In, Trust Takes Over.

Do you realize there is an epidemic of worry in the US and around the world? Recent studies have shown that over 50% of people asked feel more anxious and worried today than they did just one year ago. This number is even higher for young adults and teens. Pretty startling, isn’t it?

What is going on? We know that social media and the pressure to keep up, look perfect, and perform well play a big role. All of us have felt the effects of worry and anxiety, or know someone who has.

When people were asked about their worries, 85% of the things they worried about never happened. Of the 15% that did, 79% found they could handle the situation better than they thought, or they learned something valuable from it. We sure could relate to those statistics as we looked at our lives.

What is the Biblical answer to worry? Jesus makes it clear: In Matthew 6:25-27, we are not to worry but to trust our heavenly Father.

“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 minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7

In our devotion this past week, we dove into this topic and reflected on how to deal with the worry that arises in our lives. Gents, in all our lives, how do we shift worry for TRUST? How do we free our minds and release our worry to God? It’s easy to say, but much harder to do. Scripture doesn’t shame us for worrying. It’s not a sin, but it does show us a better way to handle it. God doesn’t tell us to figure it out on our own. Instead, He says, “Give it to me.”

Just as we go to the gym to build new muscles, we need to build new muscles to better handle worry and anxiety in our lives. As we discussed, we suggest we all try a few things to address the worry that arises in our lives.

PASS THEM ON: Name your worries daily and give them to God on purpose. Feel like you are physically handing them over to HIM. Make this a daily habit. Worry if we do not pass it on, it will just keep crawling back; cast it off. Let God carry the worry vs. YOU. Trusting God doesn’t mean ignoring problems; it means refusing to let fear be the decision maker.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

SHARE THE LOAD: Tell a trusted friend what you are carrying. Let them help carry it with you and provide you with advice. As men, we often think sharing our worries is a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. We do not have to go it alone. Strong men know when to work and when to release.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor” Ecclesiastes 4:9

DON'T OVERTHING IT: If you are like us, you can overthink things and focus on all the things that “could happen” but most likely won't. Our minds can play tricks on us, and the evil one loves to jump in here. Stay in the moment.

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34

Men, it is a fact, we are all going to have to deal with worry at various times in our lives. God is there for us. IF we share our worries with HIM.

If we let others help us carry the load and if we TRUST that God is in control and we are not, our prayer for you and us is that worry will be less a part of our lives.