Winning the War on Worry

1. Worry is a liar rooted in fear and control

Worry is an Enemy tactic—a strategy built on lies that are designed to rob you of peace and tear your mind to pieces.

The four lies of worry:

1. Something really bad is going to happen
2. The more you worry, the better your odds of avoiding it
3. You're a born worrier
4. You can control the outcome by worrying

These lies are designed to keep you in a constant state of fear and anxiety. In reality, 91% of the things we worry about never happen. Worry robs you of today while never improving tomorrow. As a child of God, you have a new spiritual reality that isn't bound by worry. You can't control outcomes through worry; you can only control your choices and reactions.

2. Recognize the anatomy of worry to combat it effectively

At the heart of worry is our need to be in control.

The five major themes of worry:

• Dangerous outcomes
• Threatening confrontations
• Shortage of resources
• Doubts about personal ability
• Global calamities

Understanding these themes helps identify the root causes of worry. At its core, worry stems from a desire for control over situations we often can't influence. By recognizing this, we can start to address the underlying issues rather than getting caught up in the cycle of anxious thoughts.

3. Embrace concern and preparation, but reject worry

Planning is a constructive and tangible process where steps and actions are linked together for future outcomes.

Difference between planning and worry:

• Planning focuses on the present and what's in your control
• Worry fixates on the future and hypothetical scenarios

Planning involves constructive steps and contingencies for unexpected events. It leverages your current resources and moves you forward. Worry, on the other hand, projects endless "what-if" scenarios that paralyze action. Embrace concern and preparation, but avoid the trap of excessive worry that hinders progress and steals joy from the present moment.

4. Invite God into your worry through prayer and meditation

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Steps to invite God into your worry:

1. Surrender your concerns to God in prayer
2. Meditate on God's truth and promises
3. Practice "breathing prayers" - exhale lies, inhale God's promises

Inviting God into your worry involves turning negative energy into positive activity through prayer. Instead of trying to fix everything yourself, call out to God and share your burdens. Focus on abiding in Christ, like branches connected to a vine, to produce the fruit of peace, patience, and self-control. Reduce distractions and create space for surrender and solitude with God.

5. Perfect love casts out fear and worry

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

New operating system for believers:

• Old: Fear → Control → Worry
• New: Love → Surrender → Trust

God's perfect love is the antidote to worry. When we truly grasp and internalize God's unconditional love for us, fear loses its power. This love isn't based on our performance or potential but on God's unchanging nature. Embracing this truth allows us to surrender our need for control and trust in God's goodness, even in difficult circumstances.

6. Replace negative thoughts with positive, godly ones

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Steps to renew your mind:

1. Demolish the "house of worry" in your mind
2. Take every thought captive
3. Replace negative thoughts with godly ones

Worry thrives in our minds by focusing on imaginary future scenarios. To combat this, we must actively replace these thoughts with truth. Ask yourself, "Where did that thought come from?" If it doesn't align with God's character or the fruit of the Spirit, replace it. This process takes effort but becomes easier with practice and the help of the Holy Spirit.

7. Find rest in God's constant care and protection

He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

God's attributes that bring peace:

• Always awake
• Always alert
• Always able

When worry keeps you up at night, remember that God is constantly watching over you. He never sleeps or grows weary. He's not only awake but also alert to your every need, knowing them before you do. Most importantly, He is able to handle whatever concerns you. Focusing on these truths allows you to release control and find rest, trusting that God is working even while you sleep.

8. Cultivate gratitude to overcome worry and anxiety

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Benefits of gratitude:

• Releases dopamine and serotonin, improving mood
• Strengthens neural pathways for positivity
• Reminds us of God's faithfulness

Gratitude is a powerful weapon against worry. Scientifically, it improves mental health and reduces anxiety. Spiritually, it reminds us of God's faithfulness and grace. Practice daily gratitude by consciously recognizing and thanking God for His blessings. This habit can transform your mindset, making you more resilient to worry and anxiety.

Last updated: August 21, 2024