Session 3: Why Are So Many of Us Anxious?

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're going to talk about something almost everyone experiences: anxiety and worry. Maybe you worry about school, work, money, relationships, your health, your family, or what you're going to do with your life. Maybe everything seems fine, but your mind still finds something to worry about. It's amazing how we can be sitting safely at home while our minds are imagining ten different things that could go wrong tomorrow.

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That's one of the strange things about worry: we can experience tomorrow's problems before tomorrow even arrives. We replay conversations that haven't happened, imagine someone rejecting us, or worry about failing something we haven't even attempted. Now, anxiety can be complicated, and sometimes talking with a parent, counselor, doctor, or another trusted person is important. But Jesus taught something about everyday worry that's incredibly powerful. He said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” — Matthew 6:34. Jesus said those words nearly 2,000 years ago, yet He understood something about us that hasn't changed: we spend an incredible amount of time living in a future that hasn't happened yet.

Jesus wasn't telling us to ignore our responsibilities. We should plan, work, study, save, and prepare. But there's a difference between preparing for tomorrow and worrying about tomorrow. Preparing leads to action. Worry often leads to fear. Christianity also teaches that whatever happens tomorrow, you don't have to face it alone. God knows what you're going through, what you're afraid of, and what you need.

So here's your challenge today. Think about the three things you're most worried about and ask yourself: “Can I do something about this today?” If the answer is yes, take one small step. If the answer is no, remind yourself: I don't have to solve tomorrow today. Then say a simple prayer: “Jesus, I'm worried about this. Help me do what I can and trust You with what I can't control.” Peace doesn't always come from knowing what's going to happen. Sometimes it comes from realizing you don't have to know because you aren't facing it alone. Next time, we're going to talk about another problem affecting millions of people: How can we be more connected than ever and still feel so lonely?