I admit it – I can be a worrier. That’s a problem, given Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6 – “Don’t worry about anything . . . .” I’m learning to overcome it, though, so maybe these suggestions will help you:
- Commit your life to Christ. If you are not a Christian, you lack the help of God who can free you from worry. If you’re an unfaithful Christian, you must turn back to God if you want His help. All of us must turn from sin and trust Christ (Mark 1:15).
- Be honest with somebody about your worries. Some of us (especially Christian leaders) realize that worry is problematic, so we don’t tell anybody. Bearing worries alone, though, only increases the burden. It’s also selfish—it ignores the help of others who love us, and silly—it assumes no one else will understand.
- Recognize worry for what it is: a lack of faith. Writing those words is painful to me as a worrier, but I can’t ignore the reality. Worry says, “I’m not convinced God is going to take care of this problem.” One of my steps in overcoming worry is to repent, and I’ve learned that taking this step can itself be freeing.
- Pray about what worries you. That’s what Paul told us to do in the rest of Philippians 4:6—“but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Humbly cast your cares on God by talking to Him (Psa. 55:22; 1 Pet. 5:6-7). Frankly, most of us would worry less if we just prayed more.
- Read the Word, and watch for stories about God’s care for His people. I realize this suggestion may sound far too basic, but that doesn’t make it any less imperative. Worry is bad thinking, and bad thinking can be driven out only by the truth that sets us free (John 8:31-32). Pour the things of God into your head (Phil. 4:8).
- Memorize and recite Jesus’ words as often as you need them. Particularly, quote these words: “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt. 6:27). Worry doesn’t accomplish anything, except hinder our relationship with our Go—who, by the way, isn’t worried about anything.
- Don’t let the enemy win. It’s Satan who wants you to be bound up in worry. When you worry, ask God to break the enemy’s power over your life. Christ has already broken Satan’s back anyway (Col. 2:15), and He can give you peace the world won’t understand (Phil. 4:7).
What would you add to this list?
I live with a designated worrier. I may take things too lightly at times but endless worry over things that you have no control over. There is a big difference between worry and concern Many times I am accused of not being concerned when I am. Thank you for this article.
It’s true that concern and worry are different, John. Thanks for the reminder.
Good advice. I would say number two is the hardest.
It is hard to be honest. Thanks, Stephen.
Worry comes in different forms. As a fixer, I wrestle with fixing people or other concerns and wind up taking this to bed. Thank you for wisdom from God’s Word and life.
I understand, Larry.
Worry is a cruel thief. It gives me nothing, and saps today of strength and peace.
One challenge is highlighted by the Tweeted caption for the posting – “Worry says, ‘I’m not convinced God is going to take care of this problem.'” He may not. At least not in the way that I want it “taken care of.”
For me to worry over a situation and/or to pray, “God, please fix this,” is similar to the apostle Paul praying repeatedly, “God, please take the thorn away.” God’s response was something along the lines of, “Paul, you don’t need me to take the thorn away. All you really need is my grace.” From that perspective, my prayers become modified significantly. “God I know you lovingly hold me in the palm of your hand. Here is what I would like to see happen in my situation, but regardless of the outcome, my prayer is that you give me the strength to get through it.”
Good thoughts, Damon. Thanks.