From time to time, everyone has a circumstance that tempts us to worry. To be honest, introverts may have a tendency in the flesh to struggle with it more than extroverts, yet neither is exempt.
Some of the life issues we may worry about are money, health, relationships, jobs, children and the future. If you think about it, almost all worry is about the future. It’s the “what if” thoughts which we seem to obsess about. When we are in that energy draining place, we desperately want relief. But, it seems just out of our grasp, no matter which way we turn.
Here is a definition of worry that can help define the real issue behind the problem:
Worry is imagining a future problem where God is on vacation.
Once our mind starts to worry, it can present to us an elaborate narrative, which grows worse and more foreboding by the minute. We think God is on vacation, meaning He has disappeared or doesn’t care about our situation. The end of that story in our mind always has a bad ending. That is why we feel panicky.
Here are six Biblical steps you can take to work through worry:
1. Realize
Realize that God is not condemning you because of your struggle with worry. Romans 8:1 says “there is no condemnation for those in Jesus Christ.” Relax and recognize that God is not upset or bothered by the concern in your mind.
2. Trust
Tell your Father everything you feel anxious about. Take him through every detail. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us why we can rely on our Heavenly Father to take care of us since we are more valuable than the birds or flowers He provides for. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul exhorts us to pray, thank God, and tell Him everything about our struggle until we have peace.
3. Remember
Remember that you are not a “worrier” in Christ. In fact, you are full of faith since you are faithful in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit (identity) of fear.” Ephesians 1:2 explains that if you are worrying, confess that sin to God. Then, repent by confessing that you are not a worrier, but a faithful person in Christ who trusts him regardless of how you feel!
4. Ask
Ask God to show you if there is something you can do to begin to resolve your situation. James 1:5 instructs us to ask God for wisdom when life is difficult and we don’t know what to do.
5. Give Up
Ask yourself “What is the worst thing which could happen in this situation?” Are you then willing to give up that worse thing to God and ask Him what He wants to give you in exchange? (see Philippians 2:5-6)
6. Go to Someone
Go to someone you trust to help give you some clear perspective on the situation. Often our own thinking is mired down in the quicksand of swirling emotions. My wife is very good at helping me with this when I go to her. (see 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
If worry has made you feel stuck or paralyzed in your daily life, click on a button below for details about our counseling services or our life-transforming Grace Life Conference:
