ABCs of Worry

INTRODUCTION

Stan sits on the edge of his bed. He just lost his job. Worry seizes his mind. How will I pay my mortgage and my kid’s school fees? Fear floods his heart. Will I lose my house? Will my kids have to quit school? Sleep evaporates. Only a few more hours, and it will be daylight. “Where can I find relief from this worry?” he groans.

Pills and wine may work temporarily to alleviate the fear, but the secret in overcoming worry is in managing his thoughts. Let me show you how it works: the ABCs of worry relief.

Activating event

First, the “A” means activating event. It refers to those events that happen in your life: the deadlines, traffic, financial pressures, family problems, or trouble at work. It can be traumatic events, major life changes, or just the daily hassles of life.

If your response to those events is consuming worry, it can be deadly to your faith and wellbeing. Jesus taught, “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22).

Belief system

Second, the “B” means belief system. Your brain is a vast storehouse of memories and beliefs. The moment you detect an activating event, your brain “processor” leaps into action to sort out the information. It then evaluates and interprets the activating event.

Consequences

Third, the “C” means consequences: feelings and actions. They follow the interpretation your brain came up with. For example, if your brain tells you that the activating event is a serious danger, then your body triggers stress chemicals, and you experience the feeling of fear – or worry. With your body energized and in full alert, you are prepared for an action.

The secret

For Stan to be able to get some sleep, and put a little spring in his step on the way to work then he must change his thinking. That is the secret.

That is what Paul meant when he wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God” (Philippians 4:6). He stressed prayer, faith, and a positive attitude – not worry. Jesus taught the same secret, “Do not be anxious…for your heavenly Father knows that you need…do not be anxious for tomorrow…Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:31, 32, 34). Believe God. Live one day at a time. Quit the worry. Worry robs you of creativity thinking, focus on solutions, and energy to solve problems. Don’t waste your life with worry. You are too important. Life is too short.

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