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Major self realization: I’m a chronic worrier!
And I had no idea until yesterday.
As I thought about it more and more, I realized that this problem plagues nearly all of us to some extent. It’s all around us. It’s nearly impossible to escape, in fact. And, unfortunately, it can brutally affect our dearest relationships.
Ever heard the saying “ignorance is bliss?” Ignorance is exactly what we’re trying to rid ourselves of by attending a university such as Marshall, and it’s an admirable goal.
However, it also heaps pounds of worrisome burdens onto our shoulders. Not only are we freaking out about our grades, our jobs and our inability to pay rent this month; we learn more every day about the deteriorating environment, the sickly U.S. economy, ethical breakdowns and our political system’s ineffectiveness, just to name a few.
For some of us, worry is a way of responsibly dealing with problems. If you’re anything like me, not worrying makes you worry - you’re afraid the only reason you actually have a spare moment is because you have forgotten an important assignment or you are late for class. Many of us feel like worry actually prevents bad things from happening. Newsflash: It doesn’t.
Instead, worry, anxiety and fear are like bacteria that seep into our minds, infecting our thoughts and attacking our peace. And it’s not just a mental battle. Stress and worry can affect our cardiovascular and nervous systems. It contributes to panic attacks, stomach ulcers and neurological imbalances.
According to Nightingale-Conant, a self-help products producer, of the things we worry about, 40 percent will never happen, 30 percent are about things in the past, which we can’t change anyway, 12 percent are about our health, which gets worse with stress and 10 percent are “petty, miscellaneous” worries. Only eight percent of our worries are legitimate.
Eight percent.
Now, let me make a distinction here. There is a difference between unwarranted worry and legitimate concern. Something can actually be done about a tangible, real problem. And, most importantly, we give our concerns to God while we hoard our worries.
I think there is a reason that the Bible tells us more than 350 times to “fear not” and the New Testament alone specifically mentions the subjects of worry and anxiety 25 times as something to avoid. It can absolutely drive you crazy. It can frustrate your family and friends, maybe even hurt your relationships. You won’t go on a trip because you’re afraid the car will break down, or you never take a study break because you are convinced you will fail the exam. Meanwhile, everyone else goes along with their lives building relationships, and yours are falling apart all around you.
It can also pull you away from God, weaken your trust in Him and put unnecessary weight on your shoulders. The Bible says God’s yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Philippians 4:6-7 says to be anxious about nothing, pray about everything and rest in God’s peace. That’s the recipe for a worry-free life, and that is exactly what I am aiming for every day.
Contact Morgan Unger at unger6@marshall.edu.
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