Worrying About Things That Haven’t Happened Yet
A couple months ago I went in for a routine blood draw.
Well… when I say routine, I mean nothing urgent. Just one of those “checking the fluids” kind of appointments.
That said — I am not a fan of needles.
So this was anything but routine for me.
When I sat down, rolled up my sleeve, and clenched my fist, I did what any reasonable needle-averse person might do: I immediately looked down at my Matthew 6:33 “God First” BibleSocks for a little extra courage.
Anything to avoid looking at the needle headed toward my arm, right?!?
I had prayed that morning like I usually do. But if I’m being honest, I had also spent several days imagining how terrible this whole experience was going to be.
Then something funny happened.
After about 60 harrowing seconds of anticipation, the very kind phlebotomist calmly said:
“Okay, you’re all done.”
Wait… what?
It was over.
I had spent days worrying about something that lasted less than a minute — and wasn’t nearly as bad as I had imagined.
It reminded me of a quote often attributed to Mark Twain:
“I’ve lived through some terrible things in my life… some of which actually happened.”
Sound familiar?
Jesus addressed that exact human tendency in the Sermon on the Mount when He asked:
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?”
(Matthew 6:27)
In other words, worrying about something rarely changes the outcome.
As the great 1980’s philosopher Bobby McFerrin once sang:
“In every life we have some trouble…
but when you worry, you make it double.”
(And yes… I hope that song just started playing in your head. 😚)
The truth is, worry is often a payment on a debt we may never owe.
Now, is this easier said than done?
Of course.
But that’s exactly why Jesus gave us this powerful reminder:
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
(Matthew 6:33)
When we put God first, something shifts.
Our perspective changes.
Our fears quiet down.
Our trust grows.
And suddenly tomorrow doesn’t feel quite as heavy.
And those “God First” (Matthew 6:33) BibleSocks are a simple reminder of that truth for me. Not because socks solve life’s worries — but because they remind me where my focus belongs.
Now, I can’t promise I won’t feel a little nervous when my next annual blood draw comes around.
But remembering that it probably won’t be as bad as I imagine?
That might make the days leading up to it a little happier.
And remembering to put God first always helps me worry a little less.
Weekly Walk Question
What’s something you’ve been worrying about lately that might not be nearly as bad as you imagine?
