Weights, Worries & WearinessSample

PLANNING VERSUS WORRYING

The major difference between planning and worrying is that one is focused on what we can control, while the other is focused on what we can’t control. Proverbs 21:5 says that good planning and hard work lead to prosperity.

Planning is productive; worrying is destructive.

Most people live either in regret of the past or in worry about the future. Both spaces are completely unproductive, as they simply produce more destructive emotions. As the Bible tells us in Matthew 6:27, worrying will not add a single day to your life.

One of the things God revealed to me on my journey with Him is the power of staying faithful to the step that’s in front of you – regardless of how big or small, it may be. Many can become paralysed with fear of the future. Yet, if you had to ask them to consider one productive thing they could do right now, most would be able to name at least one. This is the key to living a worry-free life. When you focus on the here and now, and pour your energy into completing just one productive task, followed by another, and then another, it develops a momentum that eventually leads you to do great things. Plus, the act of accomplishment creates its own emotional energy. So next time you find yourself becoming hooked by worry, ask yourself this simple question: What is one thing that I can do right now to make my world a better place? It may be something as simple as washing your dishes or making your bed. As trivial as these tasks may seem in the moment, they will give you clean plates to eat off of and a neat bed to climb into at the end of your day.

If you can’t think of any small step to take, scripture can help you. Philippians 4:6–7, tells us not to worry about anything, but instead, pray about everything. Praying is something productive that you can do right now – it doesn’t even take any planning.

Here are a few guiding points on other small steps that can be taken:

• Think of one task in your home that you’ve been meaning to complete for at least two weeks, and then do it.
• Think of one person in your life whom you’ve been meaning to call, and then call them.
• Think of one act of kindness that you can do for someone who you know needs cheering up, and then do it.

PRAY

Lord, help me to stay grounded and to keep my eyes fixed on You. I pray that you inspire me with ways in which to stay focused on the now. Help me to surrender my tomorrow to you, and to remain faithful to you today. Amen.