Why We Shouldn’t Be Anxious About Future?

Are you worried about the future? It can be easy to wonder what the future will hold for all of us.

Sometimes it can happen as we’re fully embracing a life transition like marriage, graduation, or a potential move to another city or even state. That can bring us into the unknown that we must learn to let it be in God’s hands.

For me, there was a lot that was placed on my plate as I recently became a married man. In light of recent news, I had to help clear out my old bedroom in my parents’ house, as I felt my heart getting heavy and anxious bidding farewell to a room I had dwelled in since I was an 8th grader.  

It had many laughs, cries, failures, successes, good and bad nights of sleep, and much more.

Amid the time of cleaning out the old room, I was thrown in a loop thinking about much that transpired in the last two decades. Then, when I was anxious and carrying a heavy heart from what I was doing, I walked away with four lessons.

Trust in God’s Plan

When I shared what was on my heart during confession, a priest reminded me to always be open to what God desires for you. A colleague reminded me that God has a plan for each of us, and we must place our trust in him.

Anxiety is the Work of Satan

When I went through an episode of anxiety, I began to realize that it was the work of Satan, trying to hold me back from what God has in store for me. Yes, he can use anyone’s most vulnerable moment to deceive, divide, and destroy the person. Yet, we remind him of what the future holds for him.

A blogpost from The Catholic Gentleman puts it well: “When we admit to God, ourselves, and our peers what we are struggling with in life, we take away all power and hold the devil has over us.”

The writer wants us to cling to the name of Jesus when Satan tries to bring us down or not find ways to grow.

It’s Okay to Be Vulnerable

During a time of transition, memories will be triggered, good and bad. Brene Brown says that vulnerability is “The birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”

Lori Crock wrote that being vulnerable “Opens us up to forgiveness, healing, and growth, but it takes humility and courage – and it can feel risky and frightening. We might wonder if people will think less of us or won’t like us if they know the “real” us.” Crock offered an antidote for all who would have to be anxious about going into the unknown.

We must find someone or lean on a loved one who can help us get through this phase of life.

Inevitably, we all must learn to grow up. It’s not just getting taller, gaining muscle, but almost mental and social growth must be done.

The future can be filled with many surprises. Yet, when we rely on God in navigating the unknown, he will work wonders. It all begins with placing our trust in him.