Every person worries. It is a part of life. It’s natural and everybody does it. But does that mean we should worry? We all know that worry makes us more stressed, anxious, and fearful. The worse part of worry is that we get so emotional that we are more likely to make regrettable decisions. We know we should not worry but that only makes us worry more. It’s a vicious cycle. So how are we supposed to handle our worries? Lets look at the five different ways that God commands us through His word.
1) Seek God First
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34
Matthew 6 is the chapter on worry. Jesus shares that the antidote to worry is seeking God first. When we worry, we seek our own kingdom and treasure. We do this by protecting ourselves or the people we love from certain circumstances. This leads us to control situations so that we can have the life that we want. Most of the time this comes from a good heart. But even with our good intentions, the focus is on ourselves. Instead, we need to seek God first. What does that even mean? It’s as simple as it sounds, put God first. When you are about to worry about a situation or person, stop yourself and ask God about it. Instead of turning to yourself on how to fix, delete or avoid the worry, invite God in that moment. When we shift our perspective to putting God first then our lives align to His. Our eyes are opened to what God sees and how we need to respond. This leads us to experience God’s promise that He will take care of our needs as stated in Matthew 6. On the other hand, when we turn to our own needs then that usually turns into greed. And we all know how that turns out.
2) Talk to God About Your Worry
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Worry is a form of prayer. It’s praying to yourself to fix and take care of the situation. However, when we talk to God about our issues then the focus shifts from ourselves to God. God wants to hear about your worries and your pains. He’s your heavenly father that loves you and cares deeply for you. We may feel ashamed or guilty for feeling like this but God is never surprised, shocked or scared by what you have to say. He welcomes it and wants it. And the most important thing is that we need to share. There are many ways to share these requests to God. You can go on a prayer walk and talk to God. You can write your prayers on a journal. I like doing this because it slows down my mind so that I can process what I’m thinking and feeling. It allows God to speak to me as I slow down. Actually, I think it allows me to slow down so I can hear God. He’s always speaking. There are other creative ways to talk to God. You can draw, paint or build something. You can use that time to have your art and creativity to express what you are thinking and feeling. That’s a form of prayer.
3) Receive God’s Peace
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Many times we want God to answer our worries on our time and in our way. If that’s the case then God will disappoint you often. Many times, God’s answer is to wait on him and trust him. But God does not leave us empty handed. He gives us something that is far more valuable and a resource that will help us while we wait. He give us His peace. Jesus gives us a deep sense of peace and rest. The world give us something that makes us more anxious and fearful. This does not give life. But Jesus gives us rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
We need to be in the presence of Jesus and receive his peace. It does not mean that your outward circumstances will be fixed or solved. Peace is an inward understanding that Jesus is with you. And if you are on Jesus’ team then you always come out a winner.
4) Remember who God is
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
God shares that we should not be afraid or worried. His reason for us not to worry? His rationale is that because He is God. He reminds us of who He is and what He’s done for us. Worry makes us forget about all the times that God has come through or the ways that God has blessed us. We forget that God has a 100 percent track record of always loving and supporting us. It may not be in the ways that we want, but our Heavenly Father knows what we need. We need to remember who God is and what He has done. Recount the times when God did something for your family or friends. Remind yourself of what God did throughout history with his people in Israel, Jesus and the church. Write down the ways that God has provided for you and your family.
5) Ask for Help and receive prayer of healing
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
You may have tried all these ways to stop your worry but you feel that it’s not enough. Perhaps you need to connect with a spiritual friend, mentor or pastor. Why do we do that? James shares that we will be healed. Healing starts when we share and confess our worries to godly friends or pastors. Many times we may feel comfortable talking to God but we isolate ourselves from God’s people. We do this because we are afraid of judgment and appearing weak. However, when we choose to be vulnerable and open, we experience God’s love and forgiveness through our church family. God speaks to us through our church family especially when we can’t hear him. The church family is to be with you in the trenches of our worry and fears. This also allows us to experience healing through prayer and wise counsel. We are able to get a bigger perspective to our fears. Who do you need to confess and share with about your worries? I encourage you to reach out and start the healing process.
Which one do you need to focus on?
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