Worry and Regret

READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34; LUKE 22:39-54; 1 PETER 5:6-7

I worry. I get stressed out. I spend hours or even days in dread. And then I regret it. I remember one year, I was at a fireworks show and there was a nagging worry on my mind. Instead of being able to fully enjoy the beauty of the fireworks and the fun going on around me, I was stuck in my head with the worry.

Things ended up turning out alright. There was no reason for my loss of peace. But regardless of how things turn out, my worries are never worth it. They never make things better. Worrying only takes away the minutes, hours, and days of peace I could have had.

All the time, I wish I could go back and tell myself to spend less time worrying. I wish I could change the moments when I was the most stressed and allow myself to soak things up and enjoy what was going on around me instead.

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” We can’t do any good by worrying and overthinking. But God takes care of all our needs, and we can trust in Him. It’s freeing to realize I can spend less time worrying when I give it all to Him. • Bethany Acker

• What kinds of things make you feel worried? In times of worry, we can always turn to Jesus. Instead of holding onto all our worries, we can give them over to Him. Instead of looking for all the ways things could go wrong, we can look to Jesus and remember how trustworthy He is. He loves us. He knows firsthand what it’s like to experience worry and anxiety. And He offers His peace to everyone who puts their trust in Him. Through His death and resurrection, He made the way to save us from sin and death, so now nothing can ever separate us from His love.

• Sometimes, we may need help from people or medicine when our worries and anxiety are just too much, and that’s okay. Those are some of the ways Jesus offers His help. If you’re struggling with anxiety or you can’t seem to stop worrying, who is a trusted adult you could talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)