Don't Worry: 5 Scriptures & Tips to Combat This Habit!

There are so many things that we are worried about today. We worry about our families. We worry about our jobs. We worry about our finances. We worry about the state of the world. We seem to be wired in the natural man to come up against this form of anxiety constantly. Thankfully, it is addressed in the Word of God!

Let's look at Scripture and some practical tips to combat this habit of worry:

Tip #1 - Develop Trust

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

That word "lean" in Hebrew means "to support one's self." Do not support yourself upon your own ways of thinking. Trust that God's ways are the best ways. He is in your tomorrows and can see what is happening down the road. Your path will become straighter and less difficult if you stop the worry with a greater trust in Him!

Your trust develops as you get to know God more. Make sure that you are getting into His Word daily. To know Him, you must know His Word. Be intentional with your study time.

Tip #2 - Cast Your Cares

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7 NIV).

Do you truly understand how much He cares for you? He loves you. You are His creation. When you start to worry, cast or throw your concerns on God. He can take it! In fact, He wants you to do this. He is your strength!

Sometimes it helps to write those cares down and literally throw them. That action tells your mind that you are releasing those worries to God. Try it.

"We seem to be wired in the natural man to come up against this form of anxiety constantly. Thankfully, it is addressed in the Word of God!" – Pastor Erin

Tip #3 - Stay in the Present

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34 NIV).

Learn to stay in the present. If you start to think about all of the troubles that could happen, you are losing sight of what is happening today.

You can stay present through meditation upon the Word of God. Take your Scripture of the day, find a quiet place, reflect on it, and journal about it. Focus on today and the application of that Scripture in your present life.

Tip #4 - Pray, Be Thankful, & Ask

"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 minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).

This is a powerful equation that will bring peace to your life! God knows that we worry. But if we do this:

• pray, or be in conversation with God

• be thankful, or have an attitude of gratitude

• ask, He knows our requests but wants us to ask Him

Then, that glorious peace will keep things in or keep things out of our minds!

Do you want more on this Scripture? Check out the study that I just gave called Guarded in Reflection Room.

Tip #5 - Check Your Peace & Worship

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27 NIV).

Release fear that is generated by this world and allow God to bring you peace. We saw some troubling things this week. God tells us that times will be perilous, but we have a blessed hope. Focus on the purpose that He has given you to reach souls and to be a taste of heaven on earth for those around you. If you are worried, why will others want what you have?

Ask yourself: Am I demonstrating the peace of God to others? If not, what changes in my life need to be made? When you start to worry, turn on some worship music that redirects your attention and focus on who God is. This counteracts worry.

Watch for a free "Anxiety Toolkit" in the newsletter this month.

Don’t Forget to Check This Out!!

This will be the 3rd year that I am hosting this FREE online summit. There are going to be 14 Christian speakers from a variety of backgrounds and ministries. The theme this year is "Intentional." Go to my website for more information: www.steadycourseministries.com

Or go to the actual site for the summit on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/749015384602239