The Rocking Chair

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

I sank into the overstuffed rocker and massaged my throbbing forehead.

For the past few days I’d been obsessing over a difficult situation. Not only did I think about it all day long, I woke up during the night to think about it some more. I kept chewing on the situation like a dog gnawing on a bone.

As a result I was fighting a tension headache. I leaned back in the chair and began to rock. I need to relax and stop worrying about this, I thought.

To distract myself, I rocked faster. However, I soon noticed no matter how fast or how long I rocked, I wasn’t going anywhere. Unlike riding a bike, I stayed in the same place.

Whoa, I thought, worrying is a lot like this rocking. It gives me something to do, but it isn’t getting me anywhere. No matter how much effort I put into it, nothing changes.

I knew the Bible suggests an alternative to worry. 1 Peter 5:7 advises, “Cast all your anxiety on him.” Instead of being anxious, I could give the problem to God and trust Him for the outcome.

I was tired of fretting. I decided to try 1 Peter 5:7. Bowing my head I prayed, Lord, You know all about the situation that’s bothering me. I’m not going to worry about it. I’m giving it to You.

As I prayed, I even pictured myself handing the problem to God. When I opened my eyes, I must admit, I felt good, free of the burden.

However, as you know, old habits are hard to break.

I still sometimes catch myself starting to worry.

When I do, I repeat the process; I pray and hand it over to God.

Father, may we trust You in every situation.

Carol