I don't know about you, but I am constantly worrying about something. I can't seem to help it. Sometimes it is the most unlikely event in the world, but that won't stop my mind from going there. A couple years back, I was told by several people that I have a "concerned face." I did not think that was true, even though I wasn't exactly sure what that meant. I asked my family and friends if they thought I have a "concerned face" and, to my surprise, most of them replied yes. This is something I have now come to terms with.

Thinking about it, my concerned face probably branches out from my mind always wondering, worrying and overthinking. How does any facial expression appear? It appears because that is how you are feeling or thinking.

Dear Concerned Mind,

Calm yourself from wondering. Wondering brings worry. Worry leads to concern. A wondering mind takes you down the bunny hole into a space that will most likely never exist. The worried mind gives an outlet to all kinds of pathways that ultimately lead to destruction. Going down an uncut trail takes you somewhere you never wanted to be. With allowing worry or concern to rule life unnecessary discussions or arguments are brought about. Most people with concerned minds are aware they are over-thinkers and over-worriers, but they are unable to stop.

It could be helpful to attempt to leave the concern until after the fact. Being concerned about every possibility ever will not block some kind of event from occurring. One of my favorite bible verses is:

Mathew 6:34

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has trouble of its own."

If something calls for worry or concern, it will be like a flashing light or an alarm to get your attention. Newsflash: not everything in life requires concern.

God talks a good amount about worry or concern in the Bible. Basically it says that through it all He has you, and He always will.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight."

God will guide you. You just have to lean on him. Think about that old song by Bill Withers, "Lean on Me." It says, "Lean on me, when you're not strong And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on."

God is your friend. As you feel worry or concern approaching, lean on Him.

Psalm 55:22

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved."

God is always here to listen and befriend. He wants you to lean on Him and to be the one you go to. He does not want you stuck with the worry and concern in a dark cloud over you. One of my favorite worship songs is "Never Once" by Matt Redman, and the chorus goes "Never once did we ever walk alone / Never once did You leave us on our own / You are faithful, God, You are faithful." That should be an important reminder.

As you realize that you can trust in God, lean on Him, and cast your burdens on Him. All while He will always be there and your concern should diminish. God desires to see you flourish, not falter. He can help you much more than you can help yourself. If you remember that, your concern may cease or, at the very least, have a gradual decrease.

Sincerely,

The Girl With The Concerned Face