The Futility of Worrying

The Heavy Backpack of Worry

Have you ever felt like you were carrying a backpack filled with rocks—each one a worry about the future, relationships, work, or things completely out of your control? I know I have. The weight is exhausting, and yet, we often carry it unnecessarily. What if I told you that those rocks don’t have to be yours to bear?

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength,” said Corrie ten Boom. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that while worry feels natural, it never solves the problem. Instead, letting go—through prayer, trust, and faith—lightens the load and brings peace. Let me share how I’ve seen this transformation in my life.

The Futility of Worrying

Worry often feels productive, as if imagining worst-case scenarios will somehow prepare us. But worrying adds nothing to our lives—no solutions, no peace, and no extra time. Jesus Himself spoke to this in Matthew 6:27: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Growing up in an Asian household, I felt constant pressure to excel academically. I worried endlessly about grades, future careers, and even losing my glasses—something I dreaded because they were expensive to replace. One day, I lost them, and my fears spiraled. What would my parents say? Would they be disappointed? After hours of fretting, I finally confessed, only to find them understanding. We replaced the glasses, and life went on.

Looking back, I see how unnecessary my worry was. God provided through my parents, and the situation resolved itself without the drama I imagined. This taught me an early but profound lesson: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Pray Instead of Worrying

When we face uncertainty, we have a choice: to let anxiety take over or to pray. Philippians 4:6-7 offers this advice: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This scripture came alive for me during college when I dreamed of studying abroad in Bordeaux, France. The program cost $11,000, and I had exhausted my financial aid. The situation seemed impossible, but I prayed. I asked God for a solution and trusted Him to provide. Miraculously, my university co-signed a loan for me—a rare exception to their policies—and I was able to go.

That experience taught me that prayer isn’t just about asking for what we need; it’s about replacing fear with trust and inviting God’s peace into our hearts.

Trust That Things Will Work Out

Time and again, I’ve seen how trusting God leads to unexpected blessings. When I moved to Los Angeles from Seattle, I had no job, no place to live, and no idea what would happen next. It was a leap of faith, and while worry tried to creep in, I prayed for direction.

Through a series of church connections, I ended up staying rent-free in an apartment with fellow church members for nearly a year. That season taught me to trust 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.”

Even when the path ahead seems unclear, letting go of worry and leaning into God’s plan allows Him to work in ways we could never imagine.

Soul Insights

1. Worry Is a Thief of Joy

Worry drains the present of its beauty. When we focus on what could go wrong, we miss what’s going right. Take time to notice the blessings in your life today and trust God with tomorrow. As Corrie ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

2. God Cares About the Details

Just as He provides for the birds and lilies (Matthew 6:26-28), God is deeply invested in every detail of our lives. No matter how small or overwhelming your worry feels, He cares.

3. Prayer Transforms Our Perspective

Worry narrows our focus, but prayer lifts our eyes to God. The next time anxiety strikes, take five minutes to pray. Thank Him for His faithfulness in the past, and trust Him with the future. It’s amazing how this shift brings clarity and peace.

4. Faith Requires Action

Trusting God doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing. It means taking steps forward in faith while believing He will provide. Whether it’s confessing a mistake or moving to a new city, letting go of worry often requires courageous action.

5. Letting Go Brings Freedom

Worry chains us to fear, but surrendering to God brings freedom. Release your concerns into His hands, and you’ll find the peace described in Philippians 4:7—a peace that surpasses understanding.

Final Thoughts: Trading Worry for Trust

Worry will always try to creep in, but it doesn’t have to control us. As Matthew 6:34 reminds us: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Let go of the temptation to control every detail. Trust the One who holds your future. Whether it’s a lost pair of glasses, financial uncertainty, or an unknown path ahead, God is faithful. He has always provided, and He always will.

So, what’s in your “backpack” today? Take a moment to lay it at God’s feet. Pray, trust, and walk forward in faith. You’ll be amazed at the peace and freedom that follow.

Soul Path Insights