I'm afraid Arthur Roche had it right, and in a most graphic way. given time, worry cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained. I think what he had in mind is that when worry becmes deeply rooted in our thinking and emotions, everything else that we think about is tainted by what becomes a "way" of thinking and feeling. We begin to worry about everything.
Some of us end up so fearful of what "might" happen, that it is difficult for us to do much of anything. Instead of facing difficulties and figuring out ways to go through them or around them, we see great, intimidatiing obstacles. Instead of realistically considering negatives and idscovering ways to turn them into positives, we fall prey to pessimism and convince ourselves of the worst possible outcomes. It becomes one of those vicious circles. The more we worry, the more negative we become, and the more negative we become, the more we worry.
Someone once asked, "You mean we shouldn't be concerned about anything?"
I do not think that's what Jesus meant, nor do I think it wise to suggest that we not exercise prudent caution and simple good sense. There is a great deal of difference between the fellow who is able to think rationally, to consider the downside of whatver he is facing, give legitimate consideration to the possibility of failure and generally pay attention in a sensibly careful way, and the fellow who is consumed by worry. In other words, there is a great difference between prudent concern and worry.
Worry forces us into a constant negative mindset. Concern, enables us to consider the problems, yet look for positive ways to deal with them and find productive answers. Worry causes a fear that incapacitates. concern often provides an energy to find a solution to a problem. Worry spins its wheels in the mire of inaction. Concern looks for ways to do something about whatever a person is facing. Worry saps physical energy, mental acuity, and spiritual strength. Concern can actually boost energy, sharpen the mind and encourage reliance of our faith. Worry keeps you awake at night, shivering at the demons in the shadows. Concern might also keep you awake at night, but only becuase you've begun to formulate ideas and plans about what to do. Worry never accomplishes anything positive. Concern does. It seems to me that there is enough clear difference between the two that it ought to be fairly easy to choose the one that will help us achieve productive results..
Anxiety and worry are negative stressors that put us under a pressure tht kills. Concern puts us under some pressure too, but it comes with a release valve of solution-oriented motivation and behavior. If you'd like to do something to help yourself become more successful at whatever endeavor you're involved, then learn to convert your worry to concern, and watch the differences take shape. (copyright 2002, Dr. Bill Denton, Cross Ties) (reprinted within the guidelines as he stipulates)
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