How can I NOT be worried?
Padre Pio faced suffering, darkness, and even discipline from the Church—so why did he still say “don’t worry”? The answer might completely change how you see your anxiety.
Padre Pio famously said, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is
merciful and will hear your prayer.”
But look at the world. There’s war, violence. Politics at home are messy. The
dangers to our kids have in many ways never been greater, due to the access the
world at large has to them through their (and our) phones. Heck, even when
we’re deeply involved in men’s groups which strengthen us, it’s easy to feel
under-resourced and to worry about where the next leaders are going to come
from, or if we’ll have enough participation, etc.
With all that, how can we really take St. Padre Pio seriously?
The first thing is to recognize that he didn’t say that from a place of comfort.
Padre Pio’s life was in many ways full of suffering. He bore the stigmata, the
wounds of Christ, and was chronically ill. He suffered great periods of spiritual
darkness, and was frequently attacked spiritually, and even physically, be the
devil and his demons.
He was so intense that he even faced discipline from
Church authorities at times, including being forbidden from celebrating Mass
publicly and hearing confessions. Keep in mind, Padre Pio would hear
confessions for over 12 hours per day sometimes. It was central to his ministry.
These are just a few things that were going on in the life of the man who told us
not to worry. So brothers, it’s possible.
The key, men, is not some mental trick, or certain method of prayer. The key is not
a life without suffering. The key is trust in God the Father. That he will provide.
That no suffering is pointless, and that suffering is not the final word. That when
he calls you to do more than you imagine you could, or want to, that he will give
you all you need.
I’ll close by offering this practice. Recognize that any time you worry, it is a sign
that your trust in God is not complete. That’s not an occasion for shame or
condemnation, but of closeness. Simply pray, “God my loving Father, I am
worried. I don’t trust you completely with __(name the source of your worry)__.
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
Over time, God will work in your heart, and your trust will grow. He will give you
“peace that surpasses all understanding.”
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