READ: 1 PETER 5:6-11

Each small worry can quickly become a big worry. It expands from the place inside of me where a little thought pops up. I start to think about it more and more. I consider all the scenarios and things that could happen. I start to worry about how I’m going to stop things from getting worse. I wonder how tomorrow will be. I worry about other things too, as the fears really begin to take over. But before any of that happens, I can give it to God. It’s so good to know that, when a small worry starts in my mind, I can immediately hand it over to God.

The Bible says we don’t need to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6), and it doesn’t help to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:25-34). It isn’t up to us to try to control things by worrying. Instead, we can go to our heavenly Father in prayer and give it all to Him. He invites us to tell Him about everything that worries us. He has so much compassion on us, and He wants to help us. Because He loves us dearly, Jesus died and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him could be brought near to God. And when Jesus returns, He will put an end to everything that is worrisome.

It isn’t easy to stop worrying, but it is possible with God. I try to hand Him my worries each time they pop up, and instead focus on something I’m grateful for (Philippians 4:8). This doesn’t always work, but when it does, I’m glad I did it. Anytime I hand my worries to God, I’m grateful to know that He will take care of things for me. • Bethany Acker

• What kinds of worries do you struggle with? Consider taking a moment to tell Jesus about these.

• Sometimes, we experience thoughts and feelings that are too much for us to handle on our own, even by praying and reading the Bible. But God wants to help us in lots of ways, including through other people such as medical and mental health professionals who can help us figure out if what we are experiencing is worry, anxiety, or something else. If you find yourself feeling afraid, stressed, or worried a lot of the time, or if your thoughts keep going to dark places or “what if” scenarios and you can’t seem to stop, who is a trusted adult you could talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)