It feels irresponsible to not worry! It had taken me awhile to realize that this is why I worried so much, I felt like it was my obligation. It really is just trying to control what will happen tomorrow, not planning for it, but controlling it, which is impossible. Planning for tomorrow gives one a sense of stability and calm, controlling tomorrow feels fretful and tight in the stomach.
I realized I was borrowing worry from the future and adding it to the day I was living, which already had it’s proper amount of concerns: as Jesus said in Matthew 6:34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” It was a freeing thought that I wasn’t responsible for what bad things could happen tomorrow – I could consider it none of my concern.
The Bible speaks of what concerns are ours and what we should leave to God. We are responsible for planning for things that we know will come, like winter, saving for less fruitful times, gathering an inheritance for children and grandchildren, etc. (Prov. 6:6-8 – “ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”)
We understand as God’s responsibility things that we can’t know of ahead of time. I find if I take action toward a future thing or event that I know is coming up, I feel satisfied. When I’m trying to head off an imagined future threat, I feel anxious.
Whenever something bad happened, most of the time it was something I hadn’t even anticipated. Those things that I had anticipated often got worked out one way or another. And of the very few things that didn’t work out, there was still a sensible, measured outcome with available options at the end of it. They were never as traumatic as I had worried them to be.
As I learn the components of happiness, I also must learn to not worry. It’s time for my soul to rest.
Prairie Crossroads 
Hi Prairie Girl, could I recommend the best book I found on worrying too much? It’s a classic too. Dale Carnegie’s How to stop worrying and start living.
I think adults of child abuse do carry around a lot of anxiety – it is one of my health problems. I always need to make conscious efforts to relax. Talking to myself in a logical or comforting way helps. Knowing that God loves us helps!
Love and hugs, Faith xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the book recommendation! I looked for it and I will listen to it (Youtube) as I’m always looking for motivational audios. I get the talking to oneself logically, and I also am learning affirmations. I used to think they were cheesy, but now I now see how effective they are!
Love to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s great to you that you found it on YouTube. It may sound old fashioned – Carnegie wrote it in the 1930s – but I think it’s great; has many different tips via people’s own ‘worry’ experiences, has a spiritual element (Christian), and is so positive and easy to read (or, in your case, listen to!).
Love and hugs my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome, I’m looking forward to it. Thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been a little too efficient at worrying these days. It does nothing but suck the peace right out!
LikeLike