I’ve never considered myself to be much of a worrier.
After all, worry, to me at least, meant to be concerned about the future and I’ve always found that to be a pointless exercise. But, worry, by definition, is the same as anxiety, and essentially boils down to a lack of peace. And, I’ve certainly been there.
God’s word tells us many times to not worry, to not be anxious, because He knows the broken world in which we reside. He knows what we will face and have to endure. But, He also tells us why it’s important that we do this – to safeguard our hearts and minds. And, thankfully, He also tells us how we can do this.
Take our thoughts captive.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Resist the urge to dismiss your thoughts or stuff them down because they’re “wrong”. Instead, take them captive! Ask God to reveal what’s truly underneath them.
For me, this is usually a memory of a negative time in my past. Why bring this up again, dear brain? Maybe it’s something unresolved. Maybe there’s a lesson to be learned. Maybe it’s an opportunity to forgive again. Maybe it’s a lie I’ve believed. God knows the true cause and He can lead us to resolution.
Refocus our thoughts on Him.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
What thoughts were swirling around in your mind when you felt anxiety? Chances are they were not about God, am I right?
When we surrender our thoughts and think about God instead, we remember that He is God. He is bigger than what we’re worrying about. He is sovereign. He is faithful. We remember that He is our God. He is Father and we are His chosen children. He invites us to ask and receive. He tells us that His love endures forever. And that He is with us always.
Focus on the kingdom.
“… do not be anxious… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:31-33
Focus on the mission at hand; what you’ve been called to, what God is doing through you. Get busy doing the work and forget about how you will take care of your needs. He’s promised to provide for every single one before we even think of them.
Also, open your eyes to see the work that God is doing in you. In this very situation that is causing a lack of peace. What is He teaching you? How is He wanting to grow you in His likeness?
Not doing either of these could distract us, lead us off mission, and give us the wrong priorities.
Turn to worship.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Worship – it means to show reverence and adoration for.
When negative thoughts come. When you’re feeling defeated and worn down. When you don’t feel like praying or singing or giving praise. Just show up anyway, with intent. He will meet you there!
Remember that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Sometimes our worries show what we truly worship instead of the one true God. Cast them all aside.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:24
Read His word and remember His truth. Then speak life to yourself, into your situation, and into your circumstances. Remember God.
Pray with thanksgiving. Remember what He has done before. Ask for what He says He will do.
Turn on the worship music and sing “… here I am to worship.. here I am to bow down.. here I am to say that You’re my God.” And let’s sing like we truly believe He is our God.
