YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . ..How Can I Stop Worrying So Much?

"Worry Wisely"

Many people allow worry to immobilize them.  But an article appearing in a magazine for teenagers suggested that one can "worry wisely" by turning worry into constructive action!  The Bible has many principles to help you do that.  Consider Proverbs 21:5: "The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage."  Say, for example, that you want to have a gathering of some friends in the congregation.   Good planning can spare you much worry. Ask yourself, 'Exactly who will be invited?  When do I want them to arrive?  When do I want them to leave?  How much do I really need in the way of refreshments?  What are some fun activities that everyone can enjoy?'  The more you think things out, the  more likely it is that your gathering will go well.

However, you can generate worry by allowing things to become too complicated.   Jesus Christ gave this advice to a woman who went to more trouble than was necessary in providing for her guest:  "A few things though, are needed, or just one." (Luke 10:42) So ask yourself,  'What really is important to make this gathering successful?'  Keeping things simple may help you to minimize your anxiety. 

Another source of worry might be your safety in school.  There may be little that you can do to change the situation there.  But you can take practical steps to protect yourself.  "Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself," says Proverbs 22:3.   Simply avoiding dangerous places-not only the isolated spots but also unsupervised areas where the unruly tend to gather-can lower your chances of running into trouble.

Schoolwork can be another source of worry. Maybe you have several important homework assignments and you're worried that you won't get  all of them done in time.  The principle at Philippians 1:10 is helpful:  "Make sure of the more important things."  Yes, learn to prioritize!  Figure out which assignment is the most time sensitive, and do that one first.  Then, move on to the next one. Gradually you will begin to feel in control of the situation. 

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . .  .How Can I Stop Worrying So Much?/Get Advice

From the Awake! magazine