My daughter has always been a very conscientious child. She works hard to do the right thing. Her teacher’s have (verbally) classified her to us as the perfect student. She, “..never gives mea moment of trouble!” I can honestly say, she’s in the fourth grade and has never gotten in trouble for any reason at school. Along those same lines, she is very meticulous in everything she does. She has the perfect spot for everything in her room and doesn’t like for things to be moved without her permission. She loves routine and dislikes change. While these things can come with its share of positives, sometimes she also takes things in the opposite direction. She’s a bit of a perfectionist and gets frustrated when things don’t go her way. She frequently worries, “What if I don’t do well on this test……What if the teacher gets mad at me for not doing that…..What if….what if…..what if?!? She worries not only about the big things but fixates on the small thing such as the food she eats. “Daddy, is this okay to eat? Has it expired? Could I be sick; because my stomach hurts a little?” Bless her heart, sometimes she has a hard time relaxing. We have come to realize she deals with mild anxiety issues have started teaching her coping mechanisms to get through those worrisome moments. Admittedly, some days are better than others.
I understand her struggle because I too have dealt with these issues. I look at her problems and think, I only wish my problems were that simple. I’m sure others look at me and think, I only wish my problems were that simple. But to those of us that lean towards those anxiety-driven tendencies, even if our problems are considered small by most standards, our issues seem HUGE to us. As I’ve matured, I realize that I do worry too much. I get concerned over things I shouldn’t. While depression tends to focus on issues of the past we can’t seem to work through, anxiety is just the opposite. Anxiety is a fear of what might happen in the future and it can leave someone paralyzed at every turn. Regardless of how we may struggle, the word of God reminds believers, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” [Phili 4:6-7 NLT] Regardless the situation, we’re encouraged not to worry about ANYTHING! We’re instructed to take it all to God in prayer and then thank Him for what He’s done. When we thank Him for what He’s already done, we’re reminded of His goodness. We shift our focus from worry to worship which leads to gratefulness. At that moment, the big stuff doesn’t seem so big anymore. Problems will come and go but God and His word are unchanging. His peace will always be there to guard our hearts and mind, if we will only accept it.
Closing remarks and encouragement: Recently on the way to school, my daughter was having one of those worrisome mornings. I finally stopped her from listing the “what if’s” and stated, “Baby, if you focus on the bad stuff that might happen you’ll miss the good stuff altogether.” I encourage you today, don’t miss the good stuff! As scripture reminds us, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” [Col 3:2 ESV] When you focus on what God is doing or has already done, you won’t have time to focus on your own preconceived notions. You remember how He moved in the past and begin having faith that He can/will do it again. Shift your focus and watch God do the miraculous!!!