I worry. I’ve gotten way better since when I was little, but I still worry. I’m learning what it means to trust and have faith more and more everyday. I’m still learning, and I’m still going to worry, but here are some notes I’ve written to myself about overcoming some of my fears. A lot of them are directed towards the teen audience, so hopefully they can give you a little boost in your journey.
When the future seems scary and too unpredictable…
Remember to stop and remind yourself God is bigger than all of it. And guess what else? He promised a good plan for your life. He will be there when you screw up, and He will be there when something goes wrong.
When you’re worried about your loved ones dying…
I struggled with this a lot a year or so ago. I didn’t want them to leave the house. Here’s what I’ve learned, though. The Bible specifically says, “Who do you by worrying add a single day to this life?” My entire book is based on this, but I can’t give out details yet. It had a message like this. Praying beats worrying, you guys. Worrying will change nothing except how you feel about life. You can still have a good life, so don’t let it. You do what you can everyday with the life you have. Also, remember that God knows your needs, and He promises to provide.
When you feel like you’re invisible at school…
First of all, you’re not alone. Too many kids just don’t voice their feelings. Let me tell you something: you have talent, and you definitely have worth. It WILL get recognized. The Lord loves you and has amazing plans… It really doesn’t matter what anyone at school thinks (well maybe the teachers, of course). It doesn’t matter how popular you ever get. The second after graduation, it doesn’t matter anymore, and it won’t be worth the stress. People notice how you act more than you think, so be the light because it’s what the generation needs.
When your parents fight…
I mean this in the least rude way possible: it’s not your problem. It’s not. It’s their marriage, and they have to work things out, just like YOU have to work things out with your friend sometimes. God promises to take care of them and you. All you can do is pray for them. God has a good plan, how many times have I said that now? He’ll also turn bad into good. He knows best. Trust in Him, and never stop praying because that makes all the difference.
When everyone around you it seems has a “boyfriend”…
First of all, no they don’t. You don’t have to say that to them, but they don’t unless we’re talking high school. It is absolutely ridiculous how kids start dating, and I find it funny when I hear about a “break up” because I’m heartless like that. No, just kidding. It makes me laugh, though, because there wasn’t really a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship in the first place. You can definitely have a relationship with a guy, but not in that way until you’re older. By waiting until you’re older, first of all, you’re protecting yourself by not getting involved in petty drama, and you’re obeying what God would want. And it will pay off. Never settle, and never date someone just because everyone else is doing it.
When you’re doing the right thing, but it seems it’s hopeless…
I’ve experienced this in lots of ways. Why am I friendly and nice at school but never popular. Why do we save up the right way for certain things and still can’t afford the luxurious stuff – some of it even being necessities. Why do we do it? Because it’s what God would want, and we have to live for Him and do the right thing even if it’s never noticed. But that’s a problem right there. Noticed by who? Who the heck cares? God sees it. He is the only one who needs to because what about after you graduate? I mean it. Then what happens? It’s over. All that popularity meant nothing. Sure, it may have felt good for awhile, but it is so shallow, and guess what? A lot of it isn’t even good popularity. Welcome to the world: where evil is in place, and good is frowned upon. It’s a fallen world, but that doesn’t mean you don’t try. That doesn’t mean you give up living for God. He will provide. He will use you to be a light if you have dreams that align with His will. This is not our forever home.
You guys, there is no need to worry in this world. What do you fear? Being homeless? God said He will provide, and there are options for that. Not having enough money? God said He will provide, and when you think about it, there are lots of options to get financial help.
The worst case in any situation is that you die, right? Those who believe that Jesus died for them will be saved. That’s our gain. Want more? I found some great stuff on Pinterest. One quote from Spiritual Inspiration said, “Worship will get you through the roughest times in life because it shifts your attention from the problem to the problem solver.” Amen! Also, about that reward? Spiritual Inspiration again said, “When God sees you doing your part and developing what He has given you, He will do His part and open the doors no man can shut…” Wow. Not good enough yet? Wiz Khalifa said worrying is stupid because it’s like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain. That is so true!
But you know what? It’s going to rain because that is life. Put the umbrella down regardless. I saw this quote during a sermon in church with Grandpa and Grandma one time.
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
I know sometimes it’s easier said than done, which is why we need to spend time in our relationship with God. That’s all we need in this life. Everything else is only temporary. The money, even the basic needs. At the end of your life, it won’t matter how rich/smart/talented/etc. you were. It will matter about whether you chose to accept the truth. And while you’re here, you should help those who don’t have it yet.
“Don’t tell God you have a big problem, tell your problem you have a big God.” ~everlastingjesus@tumblr
“Whatever is worrying you right now, forget about it. Take a deep breath, and trust in God.” ~lovethispic.com
I want to clarify something else. Just because you decide to trust in God doesn’t mean that problem will magically be better. Sometimes that’s not the case at all. Trusting in God isn’t about the problem, it’s about how you react to the problem. Why be worried all the time when you can choose to live life to the fullest? Why be worried? Whatever goes wrong will go wrong anyway.
“Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” ~KushandWizdom
Bad things will happen to us. It’s inevitable, sorry. But today, I choose to have faith. Not so that my problems will be solved, but so that I can still be happy even if they’re not. I choose to still live life to the fullest. I don’t know how long I’ll have, which is why I choose to be positive and be a light. And I hope you do, too.
P.S. What’s something you try not to worry about that keeps coming up? Leave a comment because I may do a part 2. 🙂
