Dealing With Worries In Your Youth Ministry

People today have a lot of worries. The high cost of raising a family. The over-committed nature of our lives. Domestic and international issues that affect us more and more . . . and these are just a few of the concerns Americans face. This doesn't even take into consideration the personal issues we deal with as youth workers: struggles with church leadership; worries about our students; worries about your youth ministry in general; interpersonal issues with our volunteers; financial concerns, and so on.

It's easy to see how focusing on many of our day-to-day tasks can be hampered by constant worry.

Paul offered a great Biblical prescription for worry in the book of Philippians:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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."--Philippians 4:6-7

It's simple really: First, Paul encourages us to pray about EVERYTHING and tell God exactly what you need. There is something cathartic about spilling it all to God. Sure, He knows what you need already, and in His sovereignty, He already has a perfect plan to deal with your worry. But the act of bringing our worries before God both reminds us of the source of our help, and allows us to unburden ourselves simply by saying our worries out loud.

Second, Paul urges us to thank God for what He has done. Told you it was simple! If we follow these simple guidelines, we are promised that God will send us the wonderful gift of His peace. Not only will God send us that peace, but it will be there as a constant guard for our hearts and minds.

WHEN WORRY INVADES YOUR LIFE, TRUST IN THE POWER OF THE PEACE OF GOD TO FILL YOU AND GUARD YOU.