Admittedly, I have on more than one occasion, worried about things that never happened!
During times of calamity and chaos, many may find themselves worrying about different things because of an uncertain future. In a moment of transparency, I have decided to share a few things I learned regarding worrying, what happened, and what I should have done differently.
What Happened?
The uncertainty of future events took over my thoughts, and I opened the door to anxiety and fear. I am a planner by nature. I thrive best in controlled, structured situations. The not-knowing part often led me to worry. But worry has companions; anxiety and fear. Neither are helpful.
What should I have done differently?
When I first began to feel anxious or fearful, I should have prayed. Phil. 4:6 Do not worry about anything, but pray about everything.
When I started imagining things and different scenarios in my mind, I should have immediately redirected my thoughts. I should have recounted all of my past victories God had already brought me through. Phil. 4:8 instructs us on how we should think on things that are true, honest, pure, and good.
Pray and change thought patterns
What happened?
I worried about what could happen instead of what was happening! The reality is that most of my days are pretty full with my job, kids, housekeeping, and errands. Things were always occurring in my daily life, but I was too busy worrying about things that had not even happened to notice.
What should I have done differently?
I should have paid attention to the moments that were unfolding right before me. Matt. 6:34 Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
I should have made a to do list and got focused. Ps. 90:12 Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.
Pay attention to today
As a result of my worrying about things that never happened:
I experienced physiological symptoms that negatively affected my health.
I lost sleep and time that I will never get back.
When we worry we are unknowingly and wrongly admitting to the following:
We don't trust God with our future.
We don't believe God can handle what is ahead for us.
Why Do we Worry?
We are afraid that things may not turn out the way we think they should.
We may have to move out of our comfort zone into the unknown.
Facts:
God knew what was in our future before we were born, which means our everything is already handled. God is always in control.
Whatever is going to happen will happen. Worrying will not change anything.