Do you struggle with anxiety or worry? So many in the world do. Dr. Sri shares how increasing our trust in God can help alleviate much of the anxiety we experience. Dr. Sri offers five tips to help anyone grow in trust and let go of worry.
Snippet from the Show
There will always be something to trouble us, but we must bring God into our worries and anxiety.
Shownotes
Do You Remember John Paul II?
Let’s go back to 1978 when John Paul II became pope. His election was shocking because it was the first time a non-Italian pope had been elected in over 400 years. However, this was not all that was shocking. John Paul II’s opening words were also shocking. He did not address the breakdown of the family or the attack on human life. John Paul II could have spoken about war, poverty, or injustice, but instead he spoke about the fear and anxiety of the world. He told the world “Be not afraid.”
What Are You Anxious About?
There is a lot to be anxious about in life. We live in a world focused on independence and self-reliance. Do it all yourself! However, this attitude brings about so much anxiety and worry. Even when we are doing good things like serving others, attending daily Mass, or going to Bible Studies, we can still experience anxiety. We can still try to do too much and not simply rest in the presence of God. So, what is it in your life that troubles you? Is it something you haven’t surrendered to the Lord?
We Must Grow in Trust
Trust is necessary in our pursuit of holiness. We must trust in God. According to St. Therese, the root cause of anxiety is a lack of trust in God’s providence. Give your worries and fears over to God. Be not afraid!
5 Key Principles to Growing in Trust
- When we surrender something to God, Jesus does not take anything away. So, do not cling to your plans. Surrender everything to God and you will receive a hundredfold in return.
- Whatever we don’t surrender to God will lead to anxiety. Clinging to things and not surrendering them will only lead to unnecessary stress and worry.
- What displeases God most is a lack of trust. God once spoke the following words to St. Catherine of Siena, “Why don’t you have confidence in me, your creator? Why do you rely on yourself? Am I not faithful and loyal to you? Redeemed and restored to grace by virtue of the blood of my only Son, man can then say that he has experienced my fidelity. And, nevertheless, he still doubts, it would appear that I am sufficiently powerful to help him, sufficiently strong to help and defend him against his enemies, sufficiently wise to illuminate the yes of his intelligence or that I have sufficient clemency to want to give him whatever is necessary for his salvation. It would appear that I am not sufficiently rich to make his fortune, not beautiful enough to make him beautiful; one might say that he is afraid not to find enough bread in my home to nourish himself, nor clothing with which to cover himself.”
- When you are combating a lack of trust, bring the Word of God into it. Turn to Scripture. Find certain verses to memorize and then to pray when you are facing difficulties in trust.
- Finally, entrust your worries and anxieties to Mary. Turn to her. Pray a Hail Mary or pray the Memorare.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Upcoming Events with Dr. Sri
Aug 5-7: Faith on Fire Family Weekend – Anacortes WA
Aug 26-29: Jesus Youth National Conference – Newtown UK
Sept 8-9: Legatus – Orlando FL
Sept 23-24: Diocese of Springfield Conference – Springfield MO
Oct 14-15: Diocese of Cape Girardeau Conference – Cape Girardeau MO
Oct 28-29: Marian Eucharistic Conference – Greenville SC
Nov 18-20: St. Maximilian Kolbe Knights of the Immaculata Men’s Retreat – Malvern PA
Nov 19: Diocese of Allentown Men’s Conference – Allentown PA
Do you have questions about the Catholic Faith?
Send in your questions to info.edwardsri@gmail.com
Resources
- Visit Dr. Sri’s website at www.edwardsri.com and to book online events with Dr. Sri email events.edwardsri@gmail.com
- Find more of Dr. Sri’s episodes at www.ascensionpress.com/allthingscatholic
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to www.ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings
Dr. Edward Sri is a theologian, well-known Catholic speaker, and author of several best-selling books. His work with Ascension includes study programs such as A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion and Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother. Several of Dr. Sri’s programs were filmed on-site in the Holy Land, and feature immersive video explorations of the sacred sites where Jesus, Mary, and the Apostles lived and died.
Dr. Sri is the host of the acclaimed Ascension podcast All Things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri. Together with Curtis Martin, Dr. Sri is a founding leader of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), of which he serves as senior vice president of Apostolic Outreach.
Dr. Sri lives with his wife Beth and their children in Colorado.
I have been really bad at memorizing scriptures. In fact, I know none!!! When I think about it I get so overwhelmed. Where do I start? Which verses should I memorize? I need help! 🙂 Is there a Catholic podcast/study/lesson on memorizing verses you could recommend? Thank you!