Don’t Worry About a Thing

Have you ever worried about something?

I’m certain the answer is yes because worry is an easy default we go to in life. Have you noticed how often we worry? I know for me, it can be up and down with the circumstances but, I can feel its imprint in my life. How about you?

The truth is, we all struggle with worry.

This is because it connects to what we can’t control and what the unknown could be. In fact, worry is linked to anxiety and anxiety is a fear of what could happen in the future. Since COVID-19, anxiety has risen in our society in a dramatic way, as people everywhere are overwhelmed with the idea of what could happen, what might happen, and what we don’t know that is happening.

This is enough to push people over the edge, thus causing them to lose hope and faith. But there’s a better way!

In the chaos that’s around us and maybe at times in us, God is present and unchanging! So much so, His mercies are new every morning and His love is never failing. I love this because it speaks to God not only being there but also giving us what we need for a the day we’re in. This is huge because that means, whatever comes our way, we have mercy, grace, and His love to navigate it and overcome worry!

We don’t have to be paralyzed by anxiety and handcuffed in worry. No, we can break free because of Jesus and in the middle of a storm, have peace. In the middle of the unknown, have joy. In the middle of a pandemic, have security and In the middle of our process, have healed!

Doesn’t this sound good?

It does because deep down, this is what we want and this is what we can have in Jesus!

So, how do we stop worrying?

I believe we see a step-by-step plan in Philippians that can help all of us move forward.

“6. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 7. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Philippians 4:6-8

‭‭First, instead of worrying, we choose to pray. In fact, He said pray about everything. This is a NEW default switch as we train ourselves to pray verses worrying. However, this takes time and intentionality because we’re trained to worry first and maybe pray later.

But, when we pray, we’re giving God our cares and concerns. We’re giving Him our worry and when that happens, we’re lifted in peace and in joy because God answers our prayers (see Matthew 7:7).

Second, when we pray, God will give us His peace that guards our hearts and minds. Furthermore, it’s beyond our understanding meaning, I don’t have to understand everything to have His peace. I don’t have to know everything to have His peace and I don’t have to be in control of everything to His peace. Wow! This is BIG because so often we seek these things to have peace but in Jesus, He’s in control and that’s enough!

This is how we overcome anxiety. His peace is beyond us which empowers me to handle the things that are beyond my control!

Third, we are set our thoughts in the right direction. Paul gives us eight things to think on, which is a roadmap of what’s acceptable thoughts and what isn’t. This is huge because for all of us, our thoughts go astray on a daily basis. This is where the enemy loves to gain footholds in our mind; however, this is where God wants to transform our lives (see Romans 12:1-2). So, we have to determine who will win!

We do this by directing our thoughts on things He tells to. This can be done through the Word of God. Otherwise, it’s hard for us to clearly define how we do this. When we put Bible verses in our heart, we’re able to direct our thoughts on what He says. When we put Bible verses in our minds, we’re able to talk to ourselves the truth, verses listening to ourselves believing lies through wrong thoughts.

All of us can do this and when we’re intentional in this step-by-step plan, we will overcome worry.

What are you worrying about today?

Whatever it is, I encourage you to begin to pray and then believe that His peace will be given to you. Then, direct your thoughts on what the Bible says so that you are dictating what you think about.

This is for you and for me right now!

So move forward and, Don’t worry about a thing!

Love and believe in you,

PD