Worry! We worry about our finances, our jobs, and how we’re going to find time to get to the grocery store since it’s already 5:00 p.m., and the fridge is empty. We worry about our kids, our parents, and what we’re going to wear to the party this weekend. I ought to know. I’m an expert at it. I work myself up as if I could solve my problems by fretting.
But God’s Word tells us it’s useless to worry. Jesus asked his disciples, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matt. 6:27)
Now that you put it that way, Lord, I guess I’m wasting my time and spinning my wheels when I worry.
What if I could learn to channel that time and energy into trusting God?
David had plenty of problems. King Saul went on a manhunt for him. His own son rebelled against him. In Psalm 131, he reflects on the uselessness of getting stressed out over matters too big to solve on our own:
David also learned the discipline of calming and quieting his mind. Wouldn’t you love to learn that? Wouldn’t it be great to hand anxiety over to God in exchange for His peace? What if we trusted God like a child trusts a faithful father or mother?
Honestly, we probably can’t learn that today. (At least I can’t.) But we can make progress. By making small, daily choices to draw near to our Heavenly Father with our worries, we can learn over time to let Him calm and quiet our fears.
The next time you feel anxious, try these steps along with me:
1) Remember God’s Promises.
Read them in scripture and repeat them to yourself.
2) Praise Him for His greatness. Ask God to enlarge your picture of His power and love.
3) Pray. Ask God to provide what you need or to intervene in your situation. Ask Him for wisdom to understand if there’s anything you can do. If He shows you something, do it. If not, rest and put your hope in Him.
4) Choose to trust in His perfect love. He’s a good Father, always at work for our good. When doubts pop up in your mind, choose trust again and again.
We don’t have to waste precious time and energy replaying worries in our minds. God has the solution to every problem and the power to meet every need. We’ll find renewed strength as we practice putting our hope and trust in Him.
Now it’s your turn: Are you a worrier, like me? What helps you to lay your fears to rest?
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I’m linking up with Arabah Joy’s Grace & Truth, Susan B. Mead’s Dance with Jesus, Faith Filled Friday, and Deb Wolf’s Faith ‘N Friends.
Oh Betsy,
I’m a worrier alright. You’d think, by now, I would have mastered this. Guess that’s what keeps bringing me back to God. Good tips and I’m trying to practice on the “little worries” so that when the big worries hit…I’m better able to turn them over to the only one who can truly do something. Needed this post!!
Blessings,
Bev
Right? You’d think by now we would have gotten over worry! I think it’s a baby step learning process. Through a life time!
I’m reminded of the Sermon on the Mount, Betsy. Those lilies neither toil nor spin, and I know that Jesus was talking about making their own clothing, but there’s a fair amount of “spinning” that goes on inside my head — and you’re right. It’s exhausting. So much better to hand things over to Him right away.
I must say that I do look forward to reading your posts each week. Your blog is an inspiration to me.
Yes, Michele. Better to nip worry right in the bud. Easy to say. More challenging to do! Thanks for your encouragement.
Betsy great tips and great blog. Yes, I know the worry too even when the kids are gone we still worry about them and now the grandkids, but oh what I would give to have my Mom and Dad back to worry about.
Oh my. I never thought of grandkids being more people to worry about! Want to start learning more trust now! 🙂 And yes, I’m grateful to still have my parents. Thanks for that reminder.
I’m definitely a worrier, Betsy. One thing that helps me is when I’m able to remember how God was faithful in past situations. When I recall times He’s come through for me before, I then can stand a little taller (not bent over and weighed down with worry). He always comes through even if it’s in a way and didn’t expect. And you know what? His way is always best!
It’s always a pleasure visiting with you and being encouraged by your words. Wishing you a brilliant weekend.
Yes, isn’t it amazing how God always comes through. I hope you have a brilliant weekend yourself. 🙂
Yep worrying has definitely been my M.O. The past 2 weeks after going through some stuff I have decided to cast off worry and grab a hold of His promises instead– taking EVERYTHING to Jesus in prayer. I cannot express the peace I’ve found… It’s definitely been a process but definitely worth the practice. God is good!
I’m glad, heather, that you’re taking everything to Jesus in prayer. I’m trying to do that very thing myself. So glad you’re finding peace in Him.
Thank you for the post, Betsy. Great tips. I especially love #2–Praise Him, Praise Him!!
When overcome with worry, I also like to remind myself that He is Lord. Not simply in a general statement, but specifically that He is Lord of the situation or detail. “He is Lord of __________.” (Fill in the blank — my finances, my schedule, whether the house sells.) This has truly helped me.
That is a GREAT idea, Deborah. So helpful. I’m going to try that too. Thanks. So glad you stopped by today.
Hi Betsy! What a great post! Outstanding tips on trusting. Thanks much! Happy to be your neighbor at the linkup at Deb Wolf’s Counting My Blessings. Have a great weekend!
Hello there, Pam! Thanks so much for stopping by. You have a good weekend, too!
Wonderful words of encouragement, Betsy. May I remember your helpful steps the next time worry sets in. Thanks for inspiring me to continue to trust God with it all! Bless you and your weekend, sweet friend!
Blessings to you too, Julie. I’m sure your weekends are more valuable than ever now that you’re back to working outside your home.
Love this post. I’ve recently been studying the helmet of salvation – protecting our thoughts by meditating on truth. Lot’s of great encouragement here!!!
Oh yes, Megan. Meditating on truth is such a good thing to strengthen our faith muscles. Thank you, friend.
Worrying comes way too easily for me, Betsy! Thanks for the positive options, eyes heavenward.
Blessings to you, friend! You always point me upward!
Oh yes, Linda! Eyes heavenward here too! 🙂 Trying. 🙂
I am a worrier! Wish I wasn’t but it seems to be in my genes. Praying is the only thing that helps me to release the anxiety. I know I need to trust God in all things but I am a work in progress who needs to be reminded over and over again. I am thanking God right now that He is patient and willing to give me second, third and fourth chances. Thank you for showing us practical ways to trust God. Praying you have a blessed week.
I’m a work in progress too, Mary. Thanks for the prayer, friend. I appreciate you so much.
“I work myself up as if I could solve my problems by fretting.” Brilliant. I laughed out loud, I can relate so much! Thank you for sharing these sweet steps to shelf worry. It’s a never-ending battle, but He is faithful.
Happy Monday!!!
Megs
Oh Happy Monday and Happy Week to you too, Sweet Megs. It IS a never-ending battle. But WE are more than conquerors!
“What if I could learn to channel that time and energy into trusting God?” What a wonderful way to look differently at our worrying problem! I could not have said it better. I am going to write this quote down in my quote journal so I can come back and reflect on it as I work toward worrying less.
Blessings to you this week, Lauren. May the Lord pour a spirit of peace over you. Praying for you now, friend.