Day 2: What Does Worry Lead To?
Some individuals have a natural personality of experiencing ongoing angst. In fact, the most common personality type according to the Enneagram personality profile (type six) regularly struggles with angst.
But angst is a little bit different than worry, depression and anxiety. Angst is part of an individual’s normal personality. It’s being cautious and careful, desiring to see the big picture in any decision being made. If somebody cannot see the big picture, they experience some angst about the decision. This kind of angst is natural, and protects us from decisions that may lead to more harm than good.
Worry, however, is often a choice. Somebody may worry when there is no immediate threat, still perceiving that something bad or unfortunate is going to happen. The longer they stay in this pattern of believing something bad is going to happen, the more likely they are to experience depression or ongoing anxiety.
As you read today, consider this: When you’re making a decision, are you more likely to dwell on the best possible outcome, or the worst? Why do you think that is?
READING:
Deuteronomy 31:8; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Romans 8:38-39
When you’re making a decision, are you more likely to dwell on the best possible outcome, or the worst? Why do you think that is?
Have you ever considered the difference between angst and worry?
What are some things you have done that have helped lessen your worries, depression, or anxieties? Similarly, what are some things you’ve done that haven’t helped?
God is inviting you to change the way you think about your worries, depression and anxiety. How will you think differently this week?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for inviting me to think differently about my worries and anxieties. Today, I invite You to point out anything in my life that may lead to ongoing anxiety, and to reveal to me the best next step I can take to remove them from my life. I also pray that You would present me opportunities to help ease the worries and anxieties of others by sharing with them the truth of Your Word. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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