My name is Michelle, and I’m a worrier.

There are all sorts of groups for people who have problems. Maybe someone needs to start a Worry-Warts Anonymous group. Maybe I’ll start one. Any takers?

Some personalities lend themselves to a more carefree lifestyle; others—like mine—are more intense and tend to promote worrying. If I could’ve chosen my personality at birth, I think I would’ve opted for the easygoing, mellow, relaxed one. But alas, the choice wasn’t mine.

So, here I am. The worrier.

What kinds of things do I worry about? The list is long, I’m afraid. Here are a few examples of thoughts that run through my mind these days….

• Noah is coming down with a cold. Oh, no. Now everyone will get it, and we’ll all be miserable for a week.
• The refrigerator died. We weren’t expecting such a big expense right now. How are we going to afford to replace the car if it dies soon, too?
• I can’t believe I said that in front of so-and-so. What is she going to think of me?
• What if the kids misbehave at their friends’ house? I’ll be so embarrassed.
• With the history of Alzheimer’s in my mom’s family, will she be okay?
• Will this blog post offend anyone?
• My kids seem to argue constantly. Will they be close as adults?
• What if my kids rebel as teens/young adults?
• My husband just looked at that woman. Does he think she’s prettier than me?
• Will my kids marry the people God has chosen for them?
• I really hope my kids’ spouses will like me.
• With the direction this country is heading, what kind of place will it be for my kids and grandkids?

The things I worry about these days are different from the ones that burdened me in years past. Here are some that I can remember….

• What if I never find my soul-mate?
• Can we afford to build a house?
• What if the baby is born with something wrong?
• Will my baby EVER sleep through the night?
• What if my child throws a tantrum in public?
• My child just threw a tantrum in public; those people must think I’m the worst mom in the world.
• Maybe I don’t have what it takes to teach my kids at home.
• My child hates to read. Is something wrong?
• Etc.
• Etc.
• Etc.

Get the idea? Do any of those things (or other things) cause concern in your life? Are you a worrier like me?

You know what? ALL of the things I worried about in years past turned out okay. All of them. Do you know why? Because “God’s got this.”

Whatever it is, God has it under control. He has proven Himself to me over and over through the years, yet I still struggle with worry when I’m faced with difficult or uncertain situations. The following verses spoke to me today regarding worrying. If you need some encouragement in this area, let these words soak into your heart and mind, as well.

• “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
• “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)
• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
• “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22)

If you want more, check out these, or these, or these.

For me, worrying becomes an issue of trust. Do I really trust that God is capable of handling the situations of my life? If so, do I trust that he will take care of them? It comes down to a choice. I must choose daily to trust Him. When faced with difficulties, do I pray and leave them in the Lord’s hands, or do I take them on my shoulders and try to carry them alone? It’s a constant battle with my flesh. It’s not that I want to worry; it’s just that worrying comes naturally to me. Trusting someone else to take care of me does not.

God knows human nature. He knows that we are temped to worry. That’s why, in His infinite wisdom, He told us literally hundreds of times in His Word to “fear not” or “do not worry” or “trust.”

So, if you’re a worry-wart like me, I hope you’ll take comfort in the knowledge that whatever your situation, God’s got this. He loves you. He’s all powerful. And He’s in control. 🙂