Some 30 years ago, the world was introduced to the term "millennial," which is the name William Strauss and Neil Howe gave to the generation born between 1982 and 1998. The uniqueness of this generation caught up among social scientists, and now the millennials are the subject of various social studies.
One strong characteristic among millennials is their tendency to worry. A study posted in NY Mag shows that anxiety problems are at an 80-year high among millennials. Whether it's the pressure put on them or the faster rate of changes happening in our time, worry is becoming a bigger problem for many millennials.
Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
We all know we shouldn't be anxious. Understanding the reasons for our anxiety will help us deal with it more effectively.
Here are four reasons why millennials worry so much more nowadays.
1. Financial Security
Times are changing and so are the movements of money. Jobs that used to be profitable are no longer making as much as they used to, and they're moving to new industries that never even existed 10 years ago.
This worries millennials who are always playing catch-up with financial security. Much of the things we worry about are bent towards money.
But God promises to provide for us even as He has provided for ravens and lilies and at even greater capacity!
2. Social Issues
Social issues have always been around, but because of the rise of information technology, the noise of bad news is more easily amplified. Blogs, news sites and social media have put all news at the touch of a fingertip, and it seems all we have to take in is bad news. But there is always hope in Christ and good things are happening. It's just that bad news is more profitable, and media companies know that.
3. All Eyes on Them
Fifteen years ago, all eyes were on the baby boomers and how much promise there was on them. But today, everyone is looking to the millennial generation—pointing out both their strengths and flaws. The limelight can be blinding. While all eyes are on us, we can trust that there is a God who works quietly in the background for our good as we respond to His call for purpose (Romans 8:28).
4. Faster Rate of Change
Things are changing faster and we're all having to play catch up nowadays. That puts a lot of pressure for the generation next in line to handle that movement. But behind all the change is a God who never changes and who is the same yesterday, today and forever. We can put our trust in Him at all times.
