Peace of Mind: 4 Effective Ways to Ward Off Worry and Anxiety
Throughout my life, I have experienced firsthand the negative impact that worrying and anxiety can have. I have spent countless hours fretting over various aspects of my life, only to find that God always provided for me in the end. Looking back, I wonder why I allowed worry to consume me for so long.
In reality, worrying never changed my situation for the better; if anything, it only made my already difficult circumstances worse. It caused me to experience even more fear, headaches, and tears. It is clear to me now that worry was never a helpful or productive response to the challenges I faced.
Worry is an inevitable part of the human experience we all encounter at some point. It can take various forms, such as anxiety about the future, job-related stress, or concerns about our relationships. However, as Christians, we can draw comfort and reassurance from the teachings of Scripture. In this blog post, I will explore some essential Bible verses and steps that can aid us in leading a worry-free life.
Steps to Conquer Worry and Anxiety
Be Careful for Nothing
- Don't Choke the Word. Worry has the potential to stifle the growth of God's word in our lives, preventing it from taking root and producing fruit. When we are anxious, our focus tends to shift from God and His promises to our problems and concerns. This shift can cause us to doubt God's provision and care, limiting our potential as Christians to grow and bear fruit. Moreover, worry can also lead us to sin. It may drive us to pursue things that are not fruitful, such as seeking (having confidence) wealth or indulging in our fleshy desires. It may also cause us to form relationships that hinder our spiritual growth. This is because our worries and anxieties can distract us from God's will and lead us astray from His path.
2 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
2. Choose the Good Part. If you find yourself constantly striving to be the perfect housewife, mother, or employee, you may be neglecting your time with God. Your worries about finances or your children may also be interfering with your prayer life and study time. I encourage you to prioritize spending time with God, as Mary did when she sat at Jesus' feet and listened to him. This requires submitting to Jesus and continually focusing on him. If you follow Martha's example and become sidetracked by the demands of service, you may think you're doing the right thing, but ultimately fall short. Instead, seek God first, and He will take care of everything else. By putting aside, the concerns and distractions of daily life and focusing on your connection with God, you can deepen your relationship with Him and discover what is truly important in life.
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
3. Humble Yourself: Why We Need to Share Our Burdens As humans, we have a natural tendency to want to carry our burdens alone. Whether it's due to pride, fear, or shame, we often feel like we need to be strong and independent, even in our weakest moments. However, as believers in Jesus Christ, we have been given a great community in the body of Christ to share in our burdens.
In 1 Peter 5:6-7, we are exhorted to "humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us in due time, casting all our care upon Him, for He cares for us." This verse reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have a loving God who is ready and willing to take our burdens from us.
We must remember that we are not meant to carry our burdens alone. We are called to be part of a community that can help us when we are weak and offer support when we need it most. When we share our burdens with others, we can ease the weight off our shoulders and allow others to help carry the load.
Furthermore, when we share our struggles with others, it can also be an opportunity for us to strengthen one another. We can offer encouragement, wisdom, and prayers to those who are going through difficult times. In this way, we can help each other grow in faith and love.
It's essential to remember that we are all human and we all struggle. We need to humble ourselves and recognize that we are not invincible. We need others to help us carry our burdens and to offer support when we need it. By doing so, we can build stronger relationships with one another and grow in our faith.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
4. Trust in the Lord. One of my favorite scriptures is Jesus' instruction to his disciples about worrying. Whenever I find myself fretting over things that are beyond my control, I am reminded to seek after the Kingdom of God and trust in the Lord. It brings me comfort to know that Jesus considers me, and all of us, so valuable. As the one who clothes the fields and feeds the birds in the sky, how much more will he provide for us, who are made in his image?
Whenever fearful thoughts arise, we must remind ourselves that worrying will not solve our problems. Instead, we should trust in God to make provisions for us and provide for our needs. Why waste so much time and energy causing ourselves needless anxiety when we can simply trust in the Lord?
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
What Happens When You Worry
Worrying can impact us in so many ways, both physically and spiritually. It can cause stress, anxiety, and even physical ailments like high blood pressure and heart disease. Moreover, worrying can prevent us from fully experiencing the joy and peace that comes from trusting in God.
When we worry, we display a lack of trust in God. It's as if we are saying to God, "I don't believe that you can handle this situation." This lack of trust can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from fully experiencing the abundance of blessings that God has in store for us.
Furthermore, worrying can keep us from doing what God calls us to do. Instead of focusing on God's plan and purpose for our lives, we get bogged down in our fears and doubts. This can prevent us from stepping out in faith and taking risks for God's Kingdom.
So the next time a situation arises that causes you to be fearful and doubtful or takes up so much of your thoughts, remember to give it up to God. Surrender all your worries and concerns to Him, knowing that He is in control and will work everything out for your good.
Here are a few scripture references to help you let go of worry and trust in God's provision:
1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 6:34 - "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Further Reading:
- Genesis 32:7-12,
- 1 Samuel 30:6,
- Psalm 55:17,22,
- Psalm 62:8,
- Psalm 55:22,
- Matthew 6:25,34,
- Hebrew 13:5,6,
- Mark 4:38
