WORRIES

Francis Bourdillon, 1873

What people call "worries" are very common. Often they come from mere trifles, but they are not the less "worries" for that. Little things sometimes vex and trouble us, more than great things.

"I am so worried with the children," says one who is the mother of a large family; "I cannot get a quiet moment."

"Something happened to worry me this morning, and I have felt upset all day," says another.

"One thing or another is always coming to worry me" complains a third, taking a more general view and setting himself down as more tried with worries than other people.

But after all, worries depend very much on how we take them. What puts one person out for a whole day, will hardly disturb another for a moment; and a lot in life that seems to one full of trouble and vexation, is found by another peaceful and happy.

"Ah, I know that very well," cries Mrs. Sharp, "but I can't take things so quietly. There is Mrs. Meek next door—come what may, nothing ever seems to put her out; but I'm not one of that sort."

Well, Mrs. Sharp, is not that just what I said? Worries depend very much on the way we take them. You agree with me, you see. Mrs. Meek takes them one way—and you take them another. And you grant they do not trouble her so much as they do you. Is not her way the best?

"Yes, but I can't take things as she does. I'm not one of those quiet folk; and when worries come, I must be worried."

Stop! Not so fast. I am not so sure there is any must about it. Do you strive against being worried? When things turn out amiss, or the children are troublesome, or anyone says something that vexes you—do you try not to be vexed or worried or put out? For that is what Mrs. Meek does.

Again, do you watch against worries? You know they are likely to come; do you prepare your mind for them, that you may meet them aright and get the better of them? I am much mistaken if your neighbor Meek does not do this too.

Once more, do you pray? I know your neighbor does that. Every day she begins with prayer, and every day she ends with prayer; and if anything comes to try her in the course of the day, then she prays too; if it is but a word or two, or only a thought—just the lifting up of her heart to God.

Depend upon it, Mrs. Sharp, it is chiefly trying and watching and praying that make your neighbor so much less worried by things than you are. Perhaps she may be of a quieter disposition by nature; but she never would have been able to meet the troubles of life as she does—without God's help, and that she gets by prayer. She strives; she watches; she prays—and God helps her. That is Mrs. Meek's way. Yet she is only a poor woman like you, and what she does you can do.

Now, perhaps you do not pray. I fear you do not, for I think you would not be so much worried if you did. Prayer is a wonderful help against worries.

Try this plan. Begin to pray. Pray to God about this very thing. Don't be ashamed; don't be afraid. Open your heart to God; tell Him all that worries you. Make him your Friend. He is such a Friend! So kind, so patient, so gentle—always ready to listen and to help! Not a trouble can come, but by His will. He can prevent troubles from coming at all, or soften them when they do come, or help you to bear them. He can do everything.

Pray to Him regularly every day. And pray, besides, at the very time, whenever you are tried. A spirit of prayer and a worried spirit can hardly exist together. You have many other things to pray for: pardon through the blood of Jesus, grace, peace, the gift of the Holy Spirit—you need them all. Perhaps when you pray in earnest about your worries, you may learn to pray about all your needs. How much happier will you be, when you become a person of prayer! This is the main thing of all. But do not neglect the other two either. Strive and watch—as well as pray.

STRIVE. Think, when a worry comes, "Well, it is but a trifle. It is not worth while fretting about it, and worry is not right." Set yourself, by God's help, to get the better of the worry. Do not let it beat you.

WATCH. Be always on your guard against impatience and fretfulness. Try to be ready for the worry before it comes. Do not let it take you unawares. I venture to say that, if you thus take your neighbor's way—watching, praying, and striving—you and she will be more alike about worries; and then I am sure you will be happier than you are.