Casandra Martin

“Worry is interest paid by those who borrow trouble” – George Washington

Worry is a difficult companion. It sticks inside our heads, takes up residence in our hearts, and crawls inside our stomachs. Worry changes our vision. It effects how we see our world, pulling clouds onto the horizon of a sunny day. Worry expects the worst to happen. It folds our thoughts into an endless game of “what if.” It constantly measures our personal resources against the scenarios of what might happen.

Sometimes we don’t see worrying as a big problem. It is just something we do. It is a reaction to circumstance. The truth is that worry is a habit, and like all habits it impacts us in more profound ways than we might realize.

Worry robs us of joy.

Worry steals our peace.

Worry undermines contentment.

I like President Washington’s insight into worry. Worry flows from borrowing trouble. His words remind us of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34.

Jesus’ words teach us how to change our worry habit. Do not be anxious. For many of us, worry is almost an automatic reaction to what happens around us. Jesus tells us that worry is a choice, and that we can choose differently. Habits can be changed, even the worry habit. It takes diligence, discipline, and deliberate action. It requires deliberately choosing to set our minds on things above. It challenges us to counteract worry with thanksgiving and praise. It demands that we search for the fingerprints of God and trust that His hand will be on tomorrow as clearly as it is today.

My Jesus Resolution today is to set worry down. I am going to make today a worry-free zone. I am going to set up a parameter of peace around my heart and bury my soul in the faithfulness of God. I am going to plant myself in the richness of God’s provision and grace rather than borrow trouble from the world. I am going to choose delight over doubt, satisfaction over second-guessing, and worship over worry.