May I Suggest Giving Up THIS During Lent?

Lent will be here this coming Wednesday, and per tradition, Catholics will talk about what they can “give up” during Lent. When I was a kid, I used to joke that “I am going to give up smoking for Lent,” and then I would proudly (and sarcastically) announce at the end of the season that I was 100% successful. Fortunately, I’ve matured since then, and I now treat my Lenten promises more seriously.

Lent is a season of conversion, when we acknowledge the ways we have turned away from God in our lives, and we focus on turning our hearts and minds back toward Him. That is why the three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These observances help us turn away from whatever has distracted or derailed us and to turn back to our Lord. Giving up something for Lent is a form of fasting. We can deprive ourselves of some small pleasure and offer that sacrifice up to God. Or we might “give up” a bad habit, such as too much screen-time or junk food, as a way of positively turning our life back toward what God wants for us.

This Lenten season, may I challenge you to give up something you perhaps haven’t given up in Lents’ past? This Lent, give up all the anxiety that is troubling you!

In our stressful jobs and today’s chaotic and fast-paced culture, we often can find ourselves being anxious about how we’re going to be able to accomplish this task, or worrying about how we’re going to be able to get though that past incident, or distressing over if we can handle this upcoming issue. Take heed in the following passages from Scripture and quotes from Saints about why you don’t have to be so anxious about what is happening in your life – if you instead put your trust in the Lord.

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”

~ St. Francis de Sales

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

~ Matthew 6:34

 “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”

~ Psalm 55:22 

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

~ Isaiah 40:30-31 

“Pray, hope, don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayers.”

~ Saint Padre Pio

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

~ Isaiah 41:10

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

~ Psalm 34:17-19

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

~ Psalm 46:1 

“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.”

~ 1 Peter 5:6-7

“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge.”

~ Psalm 61:3 

“When my anxious inner thoughts become overwhelming, your comfort encourages me.”

~ Psalm 94:19

“Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything.”

~ St. Teresa of Avila

Perhaps you can take a few of the above quotes that speak most personally to your situation as it relates to anxiety, and make them the mantras you repeat for the coming 40 days of Lent. Add them to your cell phone calendar or reminder app and have one pop up daily to remind you as you begin each day.

Many people struggle with anxiety and the stress that accompanies it for many different reasons. If this is something you struggle with, consider “giving it up” this Lent and replacing it by allowing Jesus’ words to resonate within your mind and heart. Hear Jesus say to you, “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Then listen to His second command: “You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”

Faith in the Lord is the cure for anxiety. When you have faith in God, you can endure all things. Jesus endured the Cross. The disciples eventually endured their crosses. God wants to strengthen you, too. Let Him speak to you this Lenten season so that you will be graced with the courage you need to resist every temptation to be anxious and instead to be full of confidence and trust in our Loving Creator, as He will help bring clarity to your mind and peace to your troubled heart.