Top 20 Worriers

Have you ever found yourself worrying? Of course you have. Benenden Health surveyed 2,000 American adults to get a pulse on the 20 biggest worries of American adults. Here are the results:

1. My stomach/being overweight
2. Getting old in general
3. Savings/financial future
4. Debt
5. Energy levels
6. Credit card debt
7. Paying rent/mortgage
8. Job security
9. My diet
10. Keeping the house clean
11. Finding a new job
12. Sex life
13. General happiness
14. Wrinkles
15. Whether not I’m attractive
16. Physique
17. Meeting work targets/goals
18. Whether or not my partner still loves me
19. Whether my current partner is the right one or if I’ll ever find the right partner
20. What happens after death

It’s hard for many of us to get out of the worry mindset. Christian psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud states “when your mental map says that nothing you do matters, you stop focusing on the things that you do have control over, things that actually do matter and that can make a difference. When you regain control of yourself, strong results can be obtained, even in crummy environments.”

So how do I get out of the worry mindset? First, take your worry to God. He is the only One who has the power and wisdom to deal with every issue perfectly. He works in our best interest.

Second, memorize Philippians 4:6-7. When you find yourself worrying say “stop” and then recite the verse. If you have a hard time memorizing, take a notecard and write the word “stop” on one side and Philippians 4:6-7 on the other side; keep this notecard handy so that you can pull it out when you start worrying.

Third, replace the worry with something you could be doing the place of worry. Here is a list of things; let me know what you would add to it: smiling, taking a shower, calling up a friend to talk, exercising, doing a random act of kindness, making the bed, reading the Bible, cleaning the kitchen, sweeping the floor, going for a walk, praying, taking a few deep breaths, going to see your doctor, meditating on scripture, organizing the closet.

As the old song says “don’t worry, be happy.”
 

Blessings,

Pastor Mark

P.S. If love is so natural, why is it so hard? Have you ever been confused, frustrated, blind-sided or otherwise backed up against the wall when it comes to love? If so, you’re in good company. Join us this Sunday at 9:00am or 10:30am as we probe the subject that has confounded philosophers, scientists, poets and pretty much all of us at one point or another.