Have you ever known someone that worried constantly? I’ve known people that worry so much it can be discomforting to those around them. It is reasonable to be concerned about various issues in life but worrying about everything certainly is not the answer. Worry and anxiety can take the joy right out of our lives and if we allow it to fester it can become a form of disability.

I’ve often told people that worry does not accomplish anything good. It never changes anything for the better and it can make bad situations much worse. There is a great difference in worrying about something and thinking it over. When a person thinks something over they mentally move through the situation in various steps. First determining exactly what is known about the situation, next what challenges they face and finally considering possible solutions.

What are the options in handling the situation? If there are steps that can be taken to eliminate it or make it better then begin by doing those things. If there is no immediate solution for the situation then it is in our best interest physically, emotionally and mentally to move on to something else with which to occupy our thoughts and wait for the results. Whatever the circumstances may be they will eventually work out one way or the other according to the will of our heavenly father.

On occasion things work themselves out, everything turns out okay and we are able to move on to the next step in our lives. Other times things don’t work out the way we had hoped and the situation or circumstance ends up being something that we must live with or just accept. No matter how things turn out in our lives we must always remember that ultimately we are not the ones in control but rather God the father who loves us.

At various times throughout my life I have been asked how can you not worry about this or that. How can you lay down and sleep at night knowing this or that might happen? Believe me when I say that I am not worry or anxiety free by any stretch of the imagination but, often when I catch myself worrying about something I must stop and ask myself what will change if I worry about this problem? Usually the answer is most likely nothing. I know that it will increase my stress level which is just another health issue to be concerned about. If I continue to worry it will eventually lead to minor depression, undue anxiety and many other physical and emotional issues which in turn will just cause more worry. I have always been a firm believer in what will be will be, no matter if we worry about it or not. Excessive worry can be a symptom of deeper rooted problems and can be as disabling as a physical disability.

If you have problems with worry to the point that it disrupts your everyday life please take some time to visit a physician and discuss the problem with him or her. My personal experiences in life have led me to believe that excessive worry is a symptom of an anxiety and/or depression disorder. There are medications and resources that can relieve the stress and anxiety and help us to get off the emotional rollercoaster ride.

However, we all know that not all stress, anxiety and/or depression require treatment with medication. Sometimes a brisk walk can relieve the feelings we are experiencing or maybe a visit with a friend can help us to release some of the stress we may feel. However, if you or someone you know has a history of excessive worry please remember there is help available. There are many resources online, physical exercise is an excellent stress and anxiety release, talking with a friend or getting out and doing something to take your mind off the situation and last but not least a visit with your family physician can be a very useful tool in helping you to resolve the problems you are experiencing.

My most effective tool has been and still is prayer. God already knows all about the situation but finding a quiet place alone and talking to him about the problem can bring an untold amount of relief.

Let us remember Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11: I have learned in whatever state I am therewith to be content.

Scripture also tell us in Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe. ~Author Unknown