Do not put yourself down; it is okay to worry
Matthew 11:28:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
You are constantly worrying. Your mind races with thoughts, imagining the worst possible outcomes in every situation. It is as if you cannot switch off this anxious voice in your head. You fret about your health, your job, your relationships—nothing seems immune to your worrying tendencies.
Perhaps it is because you are a perfectionist, always striving for flawlessness in everything you do. The pressure to excel weighs heavily on you, driving your worries to new heights. You are terrified of making mistakes or falling short of perfection.
Regardless of the reason, deep down, you are aware of your worrisome nature. You know you tend to overthink things, to dwell on the negative. And because of this, you often put yourself down, convinced that your incessant worrying annoys those around you. You imagine others rolling their eyes or sighing in exasperation whenever you voice your concerns.
In your mind, they must see you as weak or needy, incapable of handling life's challenges without succumbing to anxiety. You worry that your friends and family are growing tired of your constant fretting, and that they will eventually distance themselves from you because of it. It is a lonely, disheartening thought—one that only fuels your anxiety further.
However, it is okay to worry.
Worrying is a common human emotion that everyone experiences. Scientifically, it can be traced back to our evolutionary past. In prehistoric times, our ancestors faced constant threats to their survival, such as predators, food shortages, and natural disasters. Worrying helped them anticipate dangers and take necessary precautions to ensure their survival.
In modern times, worrying still serves a purpose. It is a natural response to stressful situations, triggering our fight-or-flight response and preparing us to deal with potential threats. When faced with a problem or uncertainty, worrying prompts us to assess the situation, consider possible outcomes, and take action to mitigate risks. In this way, worrying can be seen as a protective mechanism, helping us navigate life's challenges and stay safe.
From a psychological perspective, worrying can also be a coping mechanism. It allows us to process our emotions, express our concerns, and seek support from others. By voicing our worries, we can gain perspective on our problems and find solutions to address them.
However, this does not mean you should simply let it be.
Recognize when it becomes excessive or detrimental to our well-being. Chronic worrying can lead to anxiety disorders, insomnia, and other health problems if left unchecked.
That said, consider turning to prayer and Scriptures.
Taking a few moments each day to pray can help calm your mind and provide a sense of peace amidst life's uncertainties. You can pray for strength, wisdom, and courage to face your worries with confidence.
Meanwhile, the Bible contains countless verses that offer encouragement, hope, and reassurance.
Some verses that may help ease your worries include "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7) and "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). These verses remind you that you are not alone in your worries and that God is always there to listen and help you through difficult times.
Remember that it is okay to lean on your faith for support.
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