How to Put an End to Worry and Anxiety

Are you a worrier?
Have you perfected the asking of “what if” questions?
Does anxiety ever immobilize you?

I used to believe I had a melancholy personality, because anxiety over my own or someone else’s problems consumed most of my thoughts. Even though God’s Word was clear that worry was not part of God’s will for me:

Jesus said, “I’m trying to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:31-34 (MSG)

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

I’ve known both of those verses since I was a child. Knowing them was one thing. Allowing God to change me was another….

How to Put an End to Worry and Anxiety

1. Admit that God doesn’t want you to worry. Confess worry is wrong and agree with the truth that He wants so much more us. – Print and carry cards with verses like the ones above. Tape them to your bathroom mirror, your dashboard, and inside your planner. Read the Bible everyday. Even if you only have time for a few verses or a short devotion, begin and end each day with His voice in your heart and mind.

2. Pray and ask Him for help. When God asks something of us . . . He will make it possible. When I start to worry, I stop and call it what it is as quickly as possible, give myself two minutes to think about it, and as long as needed to pray about it.

• Admit in prayer that you know God doesn’t want you to worry.
• Tell Him about your situation and why You are worried.
• Trust His love, His presence, and His ability.
• Tell Him you are giving this problem to Him.
• Ask Him to guide you to do what He wants you to do, and for the strength to not do anything until He leads you.

3. Change the scenery. This is an important one for me . . . to change my thinking I have to change what I’m doing. So, my suggestions: go take a walk, get a cup of coffee, play with a pet, read a book to your child, turn on some music, do ten jumping jacks – anything to occupy your mind with something different. I’m partial to doing something active because it gets my blood flowing and raises endorphins which is always helpful and healthy.

4. Thank God.  Thank and praise Him for giving you peace. Thank Him for taking your worries upon Himself. Praise Him for His promises. Thank Him for always faithfully keeping His promises.

The Lord is the One Who goes before you. He will be with you. He will be faithful to you and will not leave you alone. Do not be afraid or troubled. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLV)

Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:7&23-24 (NLT)

I’m praying you enjoy a blessed worry free weekend!

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