Worry away

“Well, Lord. I’ve done alright today. I haven’t gossiped or lost my temper. I haven’t been grumpy or nasty or selfish. But in a few minutes God, I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of help.”

This year, I’d like to be free – not from the difficulties or tough times of life – but from the controlling and destructive effects of worry.

I hear anxiety in the psalmist’s voice from the beginning of Psalm 86. He has enemies – real enemies – who are out to get him. He fears for his life and is understandably worried.

The foundation of worry is usually fear, although 85 percent of what we worry about never happens. We worry because we’re afraid something might or might not happen, or that we’ve done something that will have negative consequences. We worry God won’t answer our prayers the way we feel he should. Our hearts are divided between wanting to believe that Jesus will take care of us and worrying he won’t.

The psalmist talks openly and honestly to God about what’s troubling him. He reminds himself of what he knows about God – that God is good, forgiving, and abounding in love to all who call on him (v.5). He trusts that God will respond.

Then he makes a request. He asks for an “undivided heart to revere God’s name.” Next, he gives thanks with his “whole heart” (v.12). He prays for a heart that is fully focused on God as his source of courage. He voices a powerful confession echoing Exodus 34:6, “But you, O Lord, are a merciful God and gracious.” Finally, he declares, “You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me” (v.17).

By speaking frankly to God, rehearsing what he knows to be true about God, and expressing wholehearted gratitude, the psalmist experiences God’s comfort and peace.

Worry can rob us of the ability to think clearly and creatively. It often leads to blame or guilt, and causes us to turn our backs on God, our source of help. Sometimes anxiety is such an ingrained response that we need help from a friend, therapist, or pastor.

My friend worries all the time. When there are actual concerns, she worries, stays up at night and has a hard time dealing with the rest of life. When things are going well, she worries about what might happen. Getting sick is a big one for her.

One day, I said, “OK, let’s imagine you get sick and are told you’re dying.” We thought about what she’d say to her kids; how friends and family would visit; how I’d stay when she was afraid. In other words, we diffused the terror by facing it. My friend realized she wouldn’t be left alone or comfortless. Other strategies can help combat angst:

• Write down all the things you’re worried about.
• Decide on an action plan for one or more, if possible.
• Categorize and prioritize the others, and ask if they’re really valid.
• If not valid, crumple up the paper and throw it away.

When we face our worries by naming, writing, or sharing them with someone else, we can gain a healthy perspective on our lives.

But even when our worries can’t be easily resolved, Jesus offers his presence and peace. “Cast all your cares upon him, for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus invites us to attach our worries to him so he can take the destructive burden away. When we pray for healing, we invite God’s power and presence into our anxious souls.

You may remember Canadian entertainer Fred Penner’s catchy song, “The Cat Came Back.” It didn’t matter what befell the cat – storms, disasters, bombs – the feline came back the very next day! Worry can be like that cat. It’s hard to get rid of, and just when you think you have, it comes tumbling back.

Worship and prayer are antidotes that take us “out of ourselves” and draw our attention to God. We can’t worry and worship at the same time. The psalmist, by listing what he knew to be true about his relationship with God, was able to let go of gnawing fear – the worry of “what if” – and embrace God’s presence in “what is.”

Psalm 86:1, 2, 4

Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you – you are my God. . . .

Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. (ESV)

Mary Reimer is co-pastor at FaithWorks, Winnipeg.