No Worries

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do you ever worry about things? Maybe you worry about fitting in, experiencing the changes happening to your body, facing a new school, completing your homework, taking the yearly achievement test at school, being deserted by your friends, arguing with your brothers and sisters, or having the right clothes. Worrying can be overwhelming if you allow it to be.

The problem with worry is that it’s a thief. It robs you of your sleep. Then you go to school tired and grouchy. It robs you of your happiness and peace. It even saps your energy and takes away your enthusiasm for activities you normally look forward to. Worry can also make your stomach or head hurt.

The good thing is that you don’t have to live with worry. Today’s verses have the key to defeating it. Instead of getting anxious about things, talk to God. Share with him how you feel. He already knows what you’re worried about, but he wants to hear it from you. And he wants to give you peace in place of the worry. Talking to God about the things that bother you doesn’t mean they’ll all disappear. It means that God will be with you as you face the situations. He’ll help you know how to handle them, and he will fill you with his peace in spite of the things that make you anxious.

When you talk to God about the class that seems too hard, the girl who targets you with her meanness, or the upcoming oral presentation you have to give, ask him to guide you to the right person to talk to about it—a parent, a church leader, a teacher, or a school counselor. Talking with God and a trusted adult can help you feel more hopeful and give you peace.

The peace that God offers you keeps your heart and mind calm and draws you close to him. It guards you from worry so that you can live each day the best you can.

List the things that worry you. Talk to God about them, and then seek out a trusted adult to talk to. Keep praying and talking until the anxiety has gone away and you’re ready to face each day with hope.