Worry Much ?

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Are you a chronic worrier ? Worrying is learned behaviour, and can be unlearned. Usually someone ‘learns’ this unhealthy thinking pattern from someone in one’s family of origin.

I was not much of a worrier, until several years ago. Some people accuse me of being ‘lazy’, but I resist that label ! Instead, I explain that I have a ‘ Type B,’ easygoing personality.

However, this changed the day our son arrived at our house riding the new racing motorcycle he had purchased for himself. I was aghast ! I examined the extremely powerful bike with its thin smooth tires, and my peace disappeared. Soon my mind was filled with images of accidents, injuries, pain, and a mother’s tears. I understood the feeling of extreme worry then.

The Bible is filled with dozens of verses telling us not to worry. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, does not want his followers to feel anxious.

There are aspects of pride involved in worrying too, since we somehow think that by ‘worrying’ about a situation, we can somehow control it.

What self-inflicted emotional pain we cause ourselves, when we project ourselves into the future, pondering : “what if ?”. Instead, we should stay in the present moment and focus on “what is”.

The verse that helped me when I was in my racing bike worrying state was I Peter 5:7.

The Lord invites us to cast our cares on him, and he will carry them for us. We live in a fishing village, where fishermen cast nets. I could identify with this image, and it helped me. In time, God calmed my worries, but I prayed continually for the safety of my son, and all others who ride motorbikes.

There were no accidents, or mother’s tears .

Three years later, my son sold that fast, flashy bike which had taught me a lesson about the futility of worrying.

May God grant us peace, and an increasing sense of calm, as we begin 2020.

Published by Sally

I am a retired Sociologist/Educator from Ontario. I now live at the very edge of the North American Continent. I spend my time in contemplation, spiritual reading , intercessory prayer, and maintaining a spiritual garden grotto as a place of prayer in my backyard by the Atlantic.

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17 thoughts on “Worry Much ?”

  4. Haa. I like that easy going type B personality. I need to write a post titled “momma, do not worry”. Moms are fast becoming professional worriers and some take pride in it. It is hard not to worry but we can make a conscious effort to get rid of it. Happy New Year!

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    1. Hi Temi ! Happy New Year ! Yes, absolutely, the Bible tells us that we can take ‘every thought captive.’ But we need the Holy Spirit’s help.
      My husband tells me I have a special gift of doing nothing, and being very content while doing it ! I am praying for you as you continue your studies. 🤗

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  6. I love your comment “Instead, we should stay in the present moment and focus on “what is”.” So many people, whether by worrying or wishing, pass by this moment and “what is” and miss the most important moment we have. Lord, help us all to live in the moment You have given us and not waste time worrying or wondering or wishing about the future which hasn’t even been promised to us.

    I have missed reading your posts, Sally. My computer was out of commission for almost 2 months until one of my guests at Christmas fixed it for me. It’s good to be back again.

    Happy New Year! May 2020 be doubly blessed for you and your family.

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  9. I wish I had your easy going type B personality🙂 I agree that worrying is a learnt behaviour. I use to think it is heriditary. My mother use to worry a lot and now my daughter also worry alot. I am learning to cast my care on the Lord so everytime the worrying pop its ugly head I hit it with a prayer. Thank you Sally and all the best for the new year.

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    1. Thanks, Beverley ! Happy and blessed New Year to you as well ! The Lord definitely is pleased when he sees us worrying less.
      I follow the attitudes of my father. He was a very funny and happy man.
      This verse, from St. Teresa of Avila (Spain) guides my life:

      Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you.
      All things are passing.
      God never changes.
      He, or she , who has God, has everything.
      God alone suffices. 🤗

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