I Choose Worry?

This might seem like a strange title for a Christian blog in this day and age of home decor that highlights “Choose Joy” and “Thankful, Grateful, Blessed.” But in all reality, even as saved individuals, worry can be a habit that we put on like that comfy sweater or fuzzy slippers.

I was one of those people. An invitation to a friend’s consisted of multiple rechecks of days and times, as well as concern that I had actually been invited. A little ache or pain consisted of “concern” over it being a more serious health issue. Even a walk down a set of stairs consisted of fear that I would fall and injure myself or a knee would give out. We like to dress up our sin of worry with more “spiritual” names—concern, care, or even a prayer request.

A preacher I heard several years ago really challenged me in this area. The point of the sermon was what does worrying reveal to others about the God I serve? I am saying to others that my God is not strong enough to handle the situation I am in. When I choose worry, I am acting like my situation took God by surprise. When I choose worry, my life reflects to others that I serve a God who cannot be trusted.

Is worry a habit you need to break? When something enters your life, big or small, is your first reaction or habit to worry? Here are some practical things that I have found to help me work on overcoming this habit. (Remember, breaking a habit takes work. Some experts say it takes 28 days.)

Call it what it is. Until you recognize the fact that these thought patterns are sin, it is hard to deal with them as sin. You must deal with the real problem. Is it a sin to have thoughts of concern or care over something? No. However, when our thoughts dwell on the situation or how it can be fixed instead of taking it to God in prayer and trusting Him for the solution, then it is a sin.

Give it to the Lord and leave it there.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7 )

This is a well-known verse, but how many of us actually practice it faithfully without picking up those cares and concerns again and worrying about them? As 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us: “Casting (to hurl upon) all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” Your God loves you more than you can imagine. He is big enough to handle it all. How you react in a situation shows just how big your God is really is. Other people are watching how you respond to the situations that God sends your way. Your actions and reactions, show what you truly believe about God.

Once we have gotten this far, we need to look for triggers. What situations cause these feelings of worry? For example, is it a lack of control over the situation? Is it too many things going on at once? Maybe it is always focusing on the negative. If you are struggling with identifying what triggers your worry, keep a log or journal. Write down when you are feeling worried, what has happened, and how you have responded to it. Tracking it in writing can help us be more honest with ourselves and understand the situation better.

Once you start understanding your triggers, you can work on your reactions to them. Make your first response prayer. After you have given it to God, ask for support. Find an accountability/prayer partner. Dealing with worry is not something you have to take on all by yourself. Ask others to help you with your responses.

Breaking this habit of worry doesn’t happen overnight. One of the best things to do is to replace it with a healthier habit. When you recognize a trigger and your normal response is worry, work on changing your thought patterns so that you find things to be thankful for. If the trigger normally initiates thoughts of concern for yourself, instead make the responding action a prayer for a friend’s healing, safety, or wisdom, changing your thought patterns from focus on self to focus on others.

God can be trusted to do what He promises.

“But my God shall supply all your need (necessity) according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

Psalm 84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and gory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Ps. 84:11) Some of God’s promises have a stipulation that goes with them. This promise is for those who walk uprightly. There is something about living uprightly that helps us live in a worry-free zone.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me,” (Phil. 4:13 ) is a favorite verse of mine which reminds me not to worry when God has asked me to do something beyond me. It is His strength that will get me through, not how much I fuss about things or how hard I work.

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” (Ps. 37: 7, 8)

This blog is not written to my precious friends and others who deal daily with serious health conditions that cause elevated levels of concern and caution. This is written to the individual like myself who struggles with the stress of living a life that embraces worry. A worry wart. When I was growing up, Patch the Pirate was just getting started. We loved the song about the worry wart just so we could do the snort.  It is a fun song that deals with a serious habit. I was a worry wart until the Lord showed me that living in such a way was demonstrating to others that He is weak and incapable of handling things in my life. I serve an all-powerful God that cares about even the smallest details of my life. I strive to live in a way that shows that to others.