Overcoming Worry

Imagine the difference a life without worry will make. Think of all the things you would accomplish if you were free from worry. How much time do you spend worrying? When Martha was worried in Luke 10:41-42 KJV, Jesus told her only one thing was needful: spending time with him and learning of him.

Worry gets into all the crevices of our lives, doesn’t it? We worry about our jobs, our children, our relationships, our money, and many other things. It’s no wonder we feel like we’re not getting things done the way we’d like. but thanks be to God, it doesn’t have to be this way! We have the ability to change our life by changing our minds and stopping worrying dead in its tracts.

How?

Ask yourself the following six questions and write them down on paper:

1. What Are You Really Worried About?

Many times, worry is a mask for something else entirely. An honest look and some pointed questions might be necessary to get to the heart of the matter. On the other hand, once you have a clear understanding of what the real issue is, it’s easier to address the problem and stamp out the worry completely.

2. Is This Even Possible?

Worry inflates everything to larger proportions. If your worry seems slightly ridiculous, it probably is. Take a step back and ask yourself just how likely this outcome is. Worry can’t stand up under this kind of scrutiny. Most of what we worry about never comes to pass.

3. Is This Something I Can Control?

We’re very good at worrying about something we can’t change. Seriously, what difference does it make in eternity if it rains tomorrow? Nothing we do can keep the rain from falling.  Accept the fact that sometimes you’re just going to have to make the best out of the situation and adapt to the circumstances.

4. Does this Affect Me Today?

Worries about the future can really derail your life today. If you’re worried about something far off, it’s time to take a step back. Ask yourself a fundamental follow-up question if you’re concerned about the future: “Is there something I can do today that will prevent this outcome tomorrow?” If so, now you have a plan of action. Get to it!  If not, put your trust in God and quote some Bible verses, such as, Philippians 4:6-7 KJV, Psalm 9:9-10 KJV, Psalm 46:1-3 KJV, and Psalm 91:15 KJV.

5. Am I Spending Too Much Time?

First and foremost, pray to God and cast your cares upon him for he cares for you. (See Philippians 4:6-7 KJV) Obsessive worry doesn’t help anyone. If you find yourself thinking about the same concern over and over, you might need help breaking out of this cycle. Consider talking to a spouse or a close friend or BOOK NOW a free appointment at christianlifecoachtools.com, to help you break out of this vicious cycle

6. Do I Care Too Much About What Others Think?

If you’re worried about the opinions of others, find out why. If you’re concerned about being a good Christian and having a good testimony, there are better ways to do this than worrying. More often than not, though, you’re going to find most people’s opinions really don’t matter and it’s far more important to be concerned about what God thinks of you. So, don’t let people’s opinions get to you.

Once you have answers to these questions, you’ll find it’s much easier to get your thoughts back on track, especially when you replace thoughts of worry with thoughts of hope, like Romans 8:28 KJV,  “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Worry becomes a thing of the past when we’re mindful of it, and when we don’t let it become obsessive. Remember God and call upon him. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 KJV