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

Serious Situations

Not all situations are resolved so easily.  Consider a young man named Abdur.  His mother has cancer, and he has to support both her and his younger brother. Naturally, Abdur worries about his mother's condition. But he says:  "I take a cue from Jesus' words, 'Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?  Instead of becoming frazzled, I try to think out the situation and determine what will bring the best results." -Matthew 6:27. 

Remaining calm in a crisis is not easy. Some become so distressed that they neglect themselves. Refusing to eat. However, the book Helping Your Teenager Deal With Stress warns that  when you deprive yourself of basic nourishment, you are "even less capable of withstanding the ravages of stress and even more susceptible to major health breakdowns."  So take care of yourself physically.  Get sufficient rest and nourishment.  

You can find the greatest relief by following the Bible's advice:  "Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself  will sustain you.  Never will he allow the righteous one to totter." (Psalm 55:22)  Shane, quoted at the outset, was anxious about his future.  "I began to focus more on God's Word and his purpose," he recalls. Soon he realized that his future would be happy if he used life to serve God.  (Revelation 4:11)  "I stopped worrying about myself," says Shane.   "I had something bigger to think about." 

So when you find yourself worrying too much, seek constructive ways to deal with your problem. Get mature advice. And above all, take your concerns to Jehovah "because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)  With his help, maybe you will stop worrying so much. 

Next time:  LEIF ERIKSSON DISCOVERER OF AMERICA? - BY AWAKE! WRITER IN DENMARK

From the Awake! magazine