Easier Said Than Done

“Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?....seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:27 & 33-34

As the saying goes, “It's easier said than done.”

I am a worrier. I always have been. I worried about school. I worried about work. I worried about my abilities as a son, a husband, a father. I still worry about my wife, my daughters, my granddaughters. Let's face it, in today's world it's really hard not to worry. 

I think most people are worriers. But for some, it becomes their way of life. Finances, relationships, work, family, health and many other things in life can be the cause of much worrying, fear, anxiety and even depression. I thank God my worrying has never become such a burden that I couldn't cope.

I found out a long time ago that the proper way to deal with the things I worried about is trust. Trust in God, in His fidelity, in His all-consuming love me me, and in His providence. I know He loves me more than I can ever imagine. And He is aware of every detail of every problem I face.

When we truly understand the love of God and His infinite wisdom, we shouldn't have to worry. We should be able to trust and surrender all to Him every day and allow Him to enter into and direct us in hope according to His perfect plan for our lives. But again, this is easier said than done.

Another key factor in overcoming the worries and anxieties of life is to meaningfully seek the Truth. Knowing the truth frees us and it enables us to see the hand of God at work even in the most difficult of situations. God never abandons us even though it may feel like that at times. Even Jesus felt that way for a moment while on the Cross when he asked, “Father, why have You abandoned me?” But it was a passing moment, as a short while later He commended His Soul up to His Father, trusting that He had not been abandoned in his agony.

If we can seek out His voice, His will, His wisdom and His truth, it makes it much easier to place our trust in Him. And when we place our trust in Him, we find peace in our soul and feel the heavy weight of our worry lift away.

I have a couple of sure-fire methods to seek out His truth for me when I am worried or anxious. 

The Rosary is my go-to prayer for instant serenity, especially meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries. Journeying with Christ through His Passion and death puts my concerns in perspective and many times leads me to constructive steps I can take to alleviate my worry.

Then there is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. If you have never been to an Adoration chapel, I recommend you make a point to go as soon as you can. Even if you don't believe, as Catholics do, that the Eucharist is the actual Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. If you are truly searching, just sit there and listen. Jesus will fill your heart with a peace and love you never imagined possible.

 

Jesus, I trust in You.