Worrying about a future event doubles your suffering. If something bad is going to happen, when it happens you will suffer through it. All worrying does is allow you to suffer once before the bad thing actually happens then suffer again when it actually does happen. The end result is that you have suffered twice from the same bad event.
What might be even worse is when that bad thing never materializes. Now you have made yourself to suffer for no reason at all.
If worrying could actually make a difference, then it would be a worthwhile endeavor. But it does nothing. Concern should spur action. If there is nothing to do about it, then you have to let it go.
Why ruin today because of what might happen tomorrow?
I like this, but to add some biblical clarity, Psalm 55:22 says to cast our cares on the Lord. It is also wise to be able to distinguish between worry and being troubled, the later is not a sin. Jesus was so troubled in the garden of Gethsemane that he literally sweat drops of blood. The lesson to be learned from our Lord is when we are troubled, or tempted to begin to worry - turn to our Father in heaven. Good post Alan.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is good to distinguish. I use different terminology; I use the word "concern." To me, the key is can you (or should you) do something about it. The "worry" I am talking about is often a substitute for action, or a situation where action isn't possible, necessary, or called for. But beyond that, you do need a kind of detachment where it doesn't undermine the "peace that passes all understanding."
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