WHY AM I SO

WORRIED AND ANXIOUS

Uncertainties in life cause people to worry. To be worried is to be anxious, fearful of what will be, and how things will turn out in the long run.

Saint Pope John Paul II reflected on the role of modern society in contributing to feelings of not belonging, of being removed from the things that really matter. He wrote about the dangers of media exalting “consumerism, the immediate satisfaction of desires and the race for ever greater material well-being.”

He pointed out the importance of building individual personality, by cultivating spiritual life, the foundation of a mature existence. Worries will always be a part of life. But worrying will not solve anything. It can wear away the drive to do more and be more.

Worries and anxieties invite fear, sadness, sickness and even death. Yet every human being is endowed with the capacity to overcome these. He only has to listen to the voice of God found in the deepest recesses of his being and articulated in the Book of Life, the Bible.

What the Church says...

In a key constitutional document, Gaudium et Spes, the introduction says:
“The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.” The Church acknowledges the presence of griefs and anxieties as a part of human existence shared by everyone.

Does the Church have anything to offer then to help those who are grieving and heavy burdened with worries and anxieties? The answer is yes. This is why the Church exists. It was born from the conviction that there is much more than eating, drinking and having fun on this earth.

The Church exists because of Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is our example of one who lived with stresses and stressors on this earth but who remained attached with God in prayer, never wavering or doubting that God’s love conquers all problems. He cautions us when he said:
“… the worries about this life and the love for riches choke the message, and they don’t bear fruit” (Matthew 13:22).

Our worries on worldly matters may hinder us from a productive listening to the Word of God and living it. Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians has this to say:
“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 ).

Jesus in word and action

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress” (Psalms 25: 16-17).

Try reading and reflecting on these words of Jesus and the psalmist along with your personal prayer whenever sadness hovers over your head. Find peace and calmness in Jesus who loves you so much.

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Identity Identified Bible Covers

Identity:Identified contains 24 inserts and highlighting of key passages within the New Testament that are designed to help teenagers navigate life’s challenges with ways to identify why God created each one of us in the unique way He did.

This book also has a number of QR codes that link to a series of special videos that have numerous people sharing their stories and how they cope with life.

This is the perfect tool to help the younger generation in your life to follow Jesus as they navigate the challenges of life and trust him as a true friend and companion.