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 God—who, by the way, isn’t worried about anything.
- Thank God for every victory over worry He grants you–even if the victory seems small. Our victory ultimately is in Jesus, and it is He who empowers us to push beyond our worry. Be grateful.
- 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?
Editor’s note: This article was originally published at chucklawless.com.
MDiv Preaching and Pastoral Ministry
The Preaching and Pastoral Ministry track prepares students for pastoral ministry in the local church with a special emphasis on expository preaching.
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