Give Up Worry Wednesdays: Day 43
What Are You Looking For?
Day 43: Wednesday of Holy Week
(On February 27, in Introducing Give Up Worry Wednesdays we announced our Lenten series, which takes a weekly reflection from a transforming new book by Gary Zimak, Give Up Worry for Lent: 40 Days to Finding Peace in Christ.)
As a deer longs
for flowing streams, so longs my soul
for you, O God.
—Psalm 42:1, RSV:2CE
What were you looking for when you decided to pick up this book? I would expect that “peace” would be the most popular answer. You may have worded it differently (desire to stop worrying, freedom from anxiety, etc.), but the overall goal is the same. Would you be surprised to learn that your desire for peace is actually a quest for something much larger? When we seek peace, we are in reality seeking God. It’s such a basic need that we often don’t realize it. As our relationship with the Lord grows, so does our peace.
As I mentioned previously, I have looked for peace in many places and things. The world offers a myriad of solutions to those of us seeking freedom from anxiety. Many of them involve distraction, and some are even sinful. Ultimately, they all fall short of the goal. You can only distract yourself or deaden the pain for so long. Unless God is involved, these solutions are temporary. It took me a long time to get this through my thick head, but it is absolutely true.
The fact that you are reading a spiritual book on overcoming worry is a sign that you’re on the right track. You may feel as though you’re light years away from your destination, but you’re not in bad shape. Lots of people never make the connection between God and peace. Understanding that basic concept is a huge accomplishment. If you are seeking the Lord, you will find him. It may take time, but you will eventually succeed. Continue to walk the walk for the remaining few days of Lent. You will eventually find that flowing stream of peace that only the Lord can provide.
Gary Zimak is a Catholic evangelist and author of seven books, including A Worrier’s Guide to the Bible, Listen to Your Blessed Mother, From Fear to Faith and Stop Worrying and Start Living. He is a radio host and frequent speaker at parishes, retreats and conferences and is known across the country as the leading Catholic speaker on overcoming anxiety. Gary serves as director of parish services at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church in North Wales, Pennsylvania.
