Not Part of the PlanSample

Day Three: Worry, Worry, Worry

Have you ever felt that worry was a constant, unwanted companion in your life? Following an excruciating breakup with my boyfriend, six months of my heart healing was replaced by an intense spiral of worry about my future and how I would ever survive another breakup.

I knew worrying about the future wasn’t the answer to my fears, but I didn’t want to turn to God. I knew that if I turned to God, He would ask me to surrender and rest in Him. I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to be in control. I wanted to make sure my life was free of the emotional pain I’d once experienced. I bet you know the feeling.

Matthew 6:25-34 is one of the passages in Scripture that many sisters and friends encouraged me with. And I want to encourage you with it right now too. This passage brings us hope in the midst of hard seasons. It opens our eyes to see God for who He truly is. It reminds us that we’re not alone. God is right beside us. He loves us. He cares for us. And He is with us every step of the way.

This incredibly hope-filled passage is filled with examples of God’s great care and love for His creatures. I don’t know what you’re currently walking through, but maybe this passage in Matthew is exactly what your heart needs right now. Maybe you need the reminder that God sees your pain. He sees your struggles. He cares for you. You are not alone.

If you’re wrestling with crippling worry like I was, here’s a simple truth that helped me release the weight that was stealing my joy, a truth that will enable each of us to walk in freedom and no longer dread the what-ifs of our future: giving up your worry doesn’t mean that you don’t care about the problem; it means you take your problem to God and trust Him with the outcome.

Choosing not to worry doesn’t mean that you no longer care; it just means that you care deeply enough to need Someone greater to help you carry the burden. It means that you’re trusting the only One who can truly comfort your heart and bring you peace.

What causes you to stay up at night and worry? What needs to change in your life in order for you to open up your clenched fists and trust God with your worries?