I once heard someone say, 'Worry is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere.'
Worry is a habit I've cultivated and practised throughout my life.
For example, I habitually worry about losing my job. Frequently I worry I don't read the Bible enough. Sometimes I worry that my husband doesn't get enough sleep and occasionally I worry he might realise how crazy I am.
I have become so skilled at worrying that I developed an anxiety disorder and had panic attacks. Ironically, I sometimes worry I haven't fully dealt with the anxiety disorder.
These fears feel very real to me.
A typical 'Christian' solution
In my personal experience the standard 'Christian' response to such mental health challenges is to quote scripture verses, until the person stops talking about the problem.
So, in the past, I had well-meaning people quote 2 Timothy to me: 'God did not give me a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind.'
This gave me a new worry—why didn't hearing this scripture fix my problem?
However, in my own searching, I found scripture that does help my worry. Matthew chapter 6, verse 33 says, 'Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.'
I know that if I quote this to someone it won't solve their problems.
But when I apply this verse to my life I find everything changing. My worries have less hold on my mind and my joy increases.
The Kingdom of God
The 'kingdom of God' can be a mysterious concept. It is interchangeable with the kingdom of heaven in the Bible, so it could be seen as relevant only with regard to eternal life.
But I see God's kingdom as any place where his will is done completely; bad is eliminated and good thrives. Obviously heaven is God's kingdom, but his kingdom can also be present in us and we can express this to the world.
When I seek first the kingdom I am not simply sitting on my well-padded backside, thinking about a vaguely-understood after-death life, I am actually spending time with God endeavouring to understand his will, so I can help, here on earth.
Seeking the kingdom means seeking God's plans and his desires, rather than my own. Strangely, I find that when I seek him and spend time with him, in the quiet times and in my daily life, everything I was worrying about gets taken care of anyway—without my having to worry about it.
To seek his kingdom means getting his perspective and during time with him my thinking adjusts. I start to see the world differently, and slowly I grow and change.
It happens easily and simply; my worries fade simply as a side-effect from spending time with him. I start to get excited about what he and I can do together and I make plans for the future. My priorities change.
Hebrews chapter 11, verse 6 says, '...God is the rewarder of those who earnestly seek him.'
While this is true, strangely enough, I have found the reward for seeking God is finding him. When I find him everything else gets put into perspective and, for a time at least, my worries fall away.
My response
I've learnt not to give the standard 'Christian' scripture quote as a response to people's worries, fears or struggles. I do, however, make every effort to help them connect with God.
I can't fix their problems; but I know connection with God and in seeking his kingdom helps the problems start to fade.
As I seek to express his will on earth all my earthly needs will be taken care of, so I have nothing to worry about.
Kara Greening trained in biology, works in chemistry and wonders about the physics of the TARDIS in Doctor Who. She is passionate about exploring her faith and being wholehearted in life. She is married to a primary school teacher and they have two cats.
Kara Greening's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/kara-greening.html