Good Vibes: Stop Worrying! Tell God Everything!

Good Vibes Session 1

Stop Worrying! Tell God Everything.

By Kuya Daniel Carandang

Happiness.

What makes you happy?

A new Iphone 5? Some new Chuck Taylor shoes? Your crush glancing your way and meeting your eye (intense connection agad? PBB Teens? :D)? 

There is no doubt that these would've made our day, enough to keep a smile on our face that will last up to 24 hours. 

But did you know that happiness based on external matters doesn't exactly last till the rest of our lives? It's what we call Temporary GV (Good Vibes).

Sure, you'll be smiling all day long once you hear your crush say your name. But I bet you that smile would be wiped off once you encounter the troubles of school once again (classmates na ginagawa kang National Bookstore, subjects that won't let you understand them, unreasonable teachers etc.).

Fact is external things are only temporary and therefore, the good vibes we receive from such are also TEMPORARY. Sooner or later, storm clouds are hovering above your head, soaking you in imaginary rain (like in Animes).

In Philippians 4:4, Paul tells us,

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!"

With all the worries this world has to offer, you're probably asking: 'How on earth can I rejoice when my grades are going down? How can I be happy when my family does not appreciate anything that I do? When my friends disappoint me?' In short, how can I maintain my good vibes with all the anxieties around me?

When visited by anxiety, we only have two options:
        
           1. To worry (worry like there's no tomorrow)
           2. Not to worry

Sadly, our tendency is to fall in the first option, us being imperfect, worrywart humans. But God wants us to train ourselves to look at the second option: NOT TO WORRY. Why? Because God loves you and does not want you to live a life of worrying.

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

When worry knocks on our door, here's what we can do:

1.  STOP WORRYING.

Verse 6 tells us 'not to be anxious about anything'. As teenagers, we usually worry about the following:

- grades (especially that Math subject that's been making you miserable)

- financial needs

- future

- family

- looks (are you in or not with the latest fashion? Looking good for your crush in the nearby classroom)

When we worry ourselves, we don't realize that we're stressing ourselves even more. We are already stressed due to our problems and worrying our worries won't help. When we're filled with anxieties, sometimes our minds go topsy-turvy, confusing us. Our bodies become tired and heavier in feeling. We sometimes doubt God's ability to help us with such problems.

Worrying destroys us- PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, SPIRITUALLY.

2. TELL GOD EVERYTHING!

"...present your requests to God..." (Phil. 4:6)

God isn't our Father for nothing. Some of us may have different views of what a father is and perhaps some do not see fathers as potential confidants (secret keepers) or award-winning understanding people but know this- GOD IS DIFFERENT. 

How can you tell Him everything?

Well, you have to know Him first. You cannot trust anyone whom you do not know, right? When you know Him, you'll realize that God is the perfect listener and the best part is- He knows what you're going through. God knows that you're not enjoying failing Geometry or dealing with siblings who disappoint you. He knows.

He made you.

You have to trust Him with your problems and believe that He can help you go through it. Besides, God knows our limits. He wouldn't give you trials He knows you couldn't bear. The challenges given to us are within our capabilities and God simply wants us to trust Him and acknowledge the fact that we need His help and we cannot do things on our own.

Tell Him everything you're worrying about. He listens, I guarantee you. Remember that God only wants the best for you, always has, always will.

Notice that in verse 6, we find the phrase 'with prayer and THANKSGIVING'. We should still remind ourselves to be thankful for everything that God has done in our lives.

THANK GOD BECAUSE...

- God knows everything about us (Psalm 139:1-4 {terrific verse!})

- God is in control and nothing is impossible with Him (Luke 1:32)

- God allows trials only if necessary (1 Peter 1:6)

- HE LOVES US AND WANTS THE BEST FOR US (Jeremiah 29:11)

Stop worrying and tell God everything.

Let's not harass ourselves with the daily fumbles life has to offer us. Instead, let's remember that we have a big I AM standing behind us, ready to catch us when we fall and knows exactly what we're going through. It's best if we trust Him with our worries and ask Him to guide us along the way.

"Cast all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7

Have a GV-Filled week! :))