Worry can be a friend or a foe.  While a little worry can motivate us to take action, worry that gets out of control can become paralyzing and destructive.  Though it affects just about everybody at some time or other, for some people it is a constant source of stress, leading to negative consequences.  Coping with life may be very difficult, and physical health problems may develop due to too much worry.  Worry can be a foe.

At times worry functions more like a friend.  Worry can motivate us to take action so we prepare for upcoming events.  For example, a bit of worry may motivate us to study for a test at school, or carefully prepare for a presentation at work.  The anxiety created by a little worry can help us prioritize and make time to study or prepare so we learn the material better and do our best as a result.  A little worry can also alert us to potential dangers so we are more alert and careful to avoid injury.  Appropriate worry gets us to put on a seatbelt in our car or wear a life jacket in a boat.  Worry can be a friend.

The problem is that worry can easily get out of control, taking more and more of our time and energy.  Worry is always based on our ability to imagine future events and connect potential future events with past experiences or memories.  When worry gets out of control our imagination takes over and starts to create all sorts of negative thoughts about the future.  We need to recognize that none of these thoughts are based on reality since the events have not even happened yet.  However, they can feel very real and create a lot of fear and anxiety.

If we are able to recognize that our worry comes from negative thoughts that are generated by our imagination we can start to take control of our worry.  For some people this can be very difficult because of a long history of negative thought patterns.  There can also be biological and genetic factors, or traumatic events that contribute to a person’s tendency to worry.  In those cases, worry may be very difficult to overcome.

If you are a person of faith, then you might want to consider looking to scripture for help.  God’s promises can be a source of strength against worry.  For example, Jesus tells us we don’t need to worry about life all the time.  He says God cares about all of creation – the birds, flowers, and people.  Furthermore, we are encouraged to take things one day at a time.  Why?  Because, as Jesus says, each day has enough trouble of its own.

Peter is basically saying the same thing when he suggests that we cast all our anxiety on Jesus, because he cares for us.  These promises from God can be a great help in times of worry.  Remember that worry comes from your thoughts and imagination and with the help of God’s promises you can take back control of your life.

Sometimes we need someone to walk through this journey with us so that we can face our worries and gain a new and healthier perspective, as well as develop better ways of coping with the challenges we face in our lives.  A good therapist who understands both the psychological and spiritual aspects of life can help you successfully navigate your journey.