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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Do you get overwhelmed by worry? With the busyness many of us experience balancing work, family, and other commitments we can be prone to worry and anxiety. One definition of worry is an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation. Learning more about what God says about our anxiety, can help us rely more on his grace when we are feeling that overwhelming sense of worry. Common worries at work include:
- Missing a deadline.
- Worrying about being unliked by a colleague.
- Feeling imposter syndrome: you don’t really know what you are doing.
- Sounding “stupid” in a meeting for speaking up.
- Making a mistake.
Twenty-five percent of people say work is the number one stressor in their life. These worries can be compounded by issues outside of work like parenting children, health, your marriage, or financial problems.
While God calls us to work with excellence, working with all our hearts as for the Lord and not for human masters (Colossians 3:23), he also cautions us about worrying. And he calls us to look to him.
Unemployment was running out and Sue still had not found a new job. Her husband was out of work as well. The bills weren’t stopping and anxiety was mounting.
A surprising performance review: All the goals Amy had set with her boss were met and exceeded. Her mid-year pulse check was meeting expectations. Now, at year end she was suddenly rating needs improvement. Confusion and worry grew.
What do these women have in common? Work created worry, which was compounded by other issues. They also had something else in common: a belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. While this didn’t take the worry away, their faith provided a means of grace during their trials.
In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us to not be anxious about our life, reminding us that being anxious will not add a single hour to our span of life. Further, he calls us to look at how God provides in nature to remind us God loves and lavishes us much more than the birds or the grass of the field. We must first seek his kingdom and all of these things (food, clothing, our body) will be added to us.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
These women were in prayer and in community with other women who were encouraging them. They were experiencing the grace of God through others who cared for their concerns and provided them comfort.
Do you need to experience the grace of God in your anxiety? I would encourage you to seek the Lord in prayer and find a community to pray for you and encourage you.