Letting Go of Worry

Last time I wrote about how meditation is helping me to be more aware of my thoughts so I can choose to discard the unhelpful ones.  This becomes much more difficult for me when my thoughts lead me to worry.

I have a tendency to freak out about potential health issues. Just last month I was terrified I might have skin cancer until I finally got myself checked out by a dermatologist. Since I know I tend to overreact about things like this I’m usually able to talk myself into calming down by simply reminding myself of this tendency, but not always.

Worry is something that can quickly consume me if I’m not careful. It’s selfish because it means I’m completely focused on myself. It’s also not at all what God wants for me. The Bible is full of verses reminding us of God’s provision and the futility of worry.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

When I let worry consume me I am not trusting God.

This morning during my meditation time I found myself worried about a recent issue with my teeth. As the thoughts came up I told myself I needed to let them go and I imagined them floating up into the air above my head and disappearing.

Those thoughts re-surfaced but I continued to let them go. This purposeful practicing of letting go of worry is a small step of faith, reminding me of what I already know. God is in control.