My Answer

Q: My grandchildren say I worry too much, even about things that don’t really matter. I suppose I am a bit of a worrywart, but I’ve always been like this, and I’ve told them I’m just too old to change. Am I right?

A: It’s true that the older we get, the more we tend to become set in our ways. But it doesn’t have to be like this—and it shouldn’t be, especially with spiritual problems like worrying.

Admittedly some people worry more than others; perhaps you’re one of them. But that doesn’t mean we can’t change, even as we grow older—with God’s help. Listen: God doesn’t want us to be consumed with worry and anxiety, no matter our age. Instead, He wants us to turn our worries over to Him, and to trust Him for the future. You see, when we allow worries to dominate us, we’re actually saying that God can’t be trusted to take care of us. But He can be trusted!

Learn instead to commit your worries to God in prayer, and to trust Him to take care of them. In addition, let the promises of God’s Word, the Bible, take root in your mind and heart. And once you commit something to Him, don’t keep taking it back! The Bible says, “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).

In addition, develop a spirit of thankfulness. Thankfulness crowds out worry! Thank God for His love and goodness, and thank Him most of all for Jesus Christ, who gave His life for your salvation. Is your faith and trust in Him?

Turn your worries over to Christ.