worryMANY YEARS AGO I started using the concept of “Just-In-Time Worrying.”  The basic idea is that there’s an appropriate time to worry about something, but often people make it into a protracted period of unfocused anxiety.

And, with perspective, you might even discover that something isn’t worth worrying about at all.

For me, it’s often a spiritual journey.

Matthew 6:25 (ASV) Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment?

We’ve been told to trust in God and not be consumed by worry. But how literally are we to take this?

Philippians 4:6 (ASV) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

It’s really about trusting in God for His help and support.  We know that problems don’t disappear just because we’d like them to.  Apparently we need to go through challenges in order to become the saved souls we’re meant to be.

What “Just-In-Time Worrying” means, then, is to save your energy until you can actually do something about it.

If you have a big work deadline, start working on it when you have the time and materials.  Before then, put plans in place and get what you need from others.  If you are able to complete the task with time left over, then worry won’t be necessary at all.

If you’re concerned about a medical test coming up, trust in your doctors’ abilities and try to not worry until you’ve actually received results.  Trust that God will give you the support to handle whatever challenges come up.  If this scares you into changing your lifestyle and relationships, maybe it’s not such a bad thing after all.

If you’re anxious about your kids, don’t leave it as a vague sense of worry.  Instead, figure out what useful actions you’re able to take at this time.  Or start laying the groundwork for future action.  That action, by the way, might just be about working on yourself.

But a general state of worrying just raises your blood pressure and causes you to make mistakes.  If this means you have to entrust the future to God, maybe that’s not a bad thing.

John 14:27 (ASV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

I wish you peace, friends.