I recently read that the word ‘worry’ comes from an old German word ‘wurgen’ meaning ‘to strangle, constrict, choke.’

That’s telling, isn’t it? 

Worry strangles our brains, constricts our perspective, and chokes our peace of mind.

One of the things I’ve learned about worry is that it grows when left alone. If you don’t proactively address your worry, it grows.

Being proactive includes praying; it includes re-directing your attention to something more positive; it includes looking to Scripture for what is real, true and good; and it includes speaking to someone for help, perspective or support. Remember Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Are you worried about something to an unhealthy degree?

Worry grows when left alone. So push back with a plan.

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Notes:

–NEW PODCAST: “Anxiety in Children– a talk with Lyndsey Stevenato.” This talk is a joint effort between ‘The Word at Westminster’ (the podcast of Westminster Church in Barrie, ON) and ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan.’ We talk about anxiety, why it is going up through the pandemic, common stressors in kids, best practices in the home, and how to help. Both can also be found in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. I hope you find the talk practical and helpful.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.