WORRY: Goodbook 05-15-15

You have likely heard someone say, "Don't worry."

We know that is good advice.  Worrying does not help us at all.  In fact, it hurts us - physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.  And we may even know why we do not have to worry.  We have a loving, caring, faithful God who is in control and who is able to provide for all of our needs and more.

What we may not know is how to apply this advice.  Telling you not to do something does not help you not to do it.  It's like saying, "Don't think about a pink elephant.  Whatever you do, do not think about a PINK ELEPHANT!"  You probably just thought about a pink elephant, or pictured a pink elephant in your mind.  Get the picture?

So how do we apply this advice?  Here is a scripture and an idea we can try...

"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," (Philippians 4:6-7).

In this verse we are encourage not to worry, but we are also told what we can do instead - pray.  We can turn our worries into prayers.  When we do this, God will fill us and guard us with his peace!

The next time we feel worried or anxious, let's try this approach:

1) Make a worry list.  Write out or speak out what it is you are worried/anxious about.  These are normal feelings and it is ok to acknowledge that you are feeling this way.

2) Turn your worry list into a prayer list.  Pray to God about what is bothering you.  Transfer your anxiety over to God.  Trust in God to guide and provide.  Thank God for what he's done in your life.  Thank him in advance for what he'll do.  Listen for what, if anything, God might be calling you to do.

3) Keep praying through your list until you experience God's peace.  This may take some time.  It may be a long time of prayer or it may just be a continual returning to prayer when feelings of anxiety or worry arise.  It may be a process that requires several days, weeks, months, maybe even years.  Part of why it takes so long is we can be reluctant to hand over these feelings and hand over control to God.  Don't worry about the process.  That would defeat the point of trying not to worry.  Just keep talking with God about your worries and keep trusting God for peace, power, and provision.  God will show himself faithful!

I'll bet you have something you are worried or anxious about right now.  I do.  So how about we try out these three steps and begin the journey from worry to peace.

Share your comments and application ideas below...