Worry and Fret: How To Stop
Have you thought about why you worry and fret and how to stop? Or, do you hear others brag that worry has been a member of their family for centuries? You probably ask yourself, why do I worry so much?
If you’re a Christian and worry, you disobey a command from Jesus.
“So my counsel is: Don’t worry about things—food, drink, and clothes. For you already have life and a body—and they are far more important than what to eat and wear. Look at the birds! They don’t worry about what to eat—they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food—for your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Will all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27).
Grandma worried, so did your cousin and now you’re a certified worrywart. This habitual behavior doesn’t qualify you as an advocate for its continued existence in your Christian life. Jesus made it clear. Worrying won’t extend your life and as the scripture seems to ask, why should I worry or fret?
As with any enemy of the mind that grows tentacles, worry is one more attempt to keep God’s best from your life. The consequence—you’re miserable instead of hilariously happy. You can learn how to stop worrying.
Causes of Worry In Life
Christians know that “wars and rumors of wars” will run rampant during the last days on earth. It’s frightful to see the world going to hell and feel a tinge of trepidation for the future fulfillment of prophecy by Jesus.
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24:6-7).
Jesus tells you and me what will happen. He reminds us that these things should not make us anxious and concerned. Because you’re a Christian, you know how the story ends. That in itself is comforting. Are you like me and forget what Jesus says unless scripture is in front of your eyes to remind you of these truths?
Worry and Fret: Why Do Either One?
Jesus reminds us the cares of this world choke out The Word (see Mark 4:19) which is the lifeline for a practicing Christian. Busyness consumes us so Jesus takes a back seat. Business meetings, your children’s events, household duties, and any number of things divert your attention from God. Spiritual progress you’ve made dims in your rear-view mirror.
Worrying is a crucial mistake Christians make as it holds the reins instead of God. Granted, it’s a normal response when you run on overload and are upset about events you can’t control. Pay attention to red flags when you fret over your children’s wellbeing, diseases that lurk about, and your imminent retirement years. Those flags let you know you’re a worrier.
Worry and Fret: Why Do People Worry?
When you entertain bothersome thoughts, a lack of trust in God can be the culprit behind worry. Many people may have hurt you spiritually, emotionally, and physically. So, those circumstances contribute to fearfulness which produces worry rather than faith. The end result—you can’t trust God who is your dependable source of help.
Worry plagues you day and night when you try to find solutions to problems on your own.
How to Stop Worrying
If you could drink a “don’t worry be happy” potion to take away worrisome thoughts, you and everyone else would buy some. Your source of comfort as a Christian is God’s Word such as Matthew 6:33-34.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.“
Here’s another scripture that makes a significant difference when you’d rather live carefree and not worry.
“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed” (Proverbs 16:3).
Numberless times I run from The Word instead of to it. Scripture must be in your heart where it does the most good. Maybe I’ve got a thick head, but I put up with Satan’s continual barrage of zingers. He puts thoughts in my head that contradict what’s good for me.
Change Your Thought Life to Eliminate Worry and Fret
Satan tries to convince you that Christianity is outdated, scripture is not valid, and you are powerless and defeated. Nothing is further from the truth! He’s good at pestering people.
Take note of what you listen to and the impact it has on your heart. That’s when worry steps in and takes over. If you always respond with scripture, worry has no place to operate in your life.
Do you hang with the wrong crowd and rehearse negativity? Perhaps you listen to the evening news and treat it as gospel instead of the real Gospel that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. Whatever is thwarting your attention away from God and faith is what you need to get rid of—NOW.
Memorize Bible verses mentioned above or these so you’ll have a reservoir of vital information dwelling inside you. Put Satan in his rightful place, under your feet, so he knows you’re a son or daughter of The King. It may take you months of minute-by-minute mind renewal to be completely free of worry if you’ve been a chronic worrier. Decide to be free from its grip and live happily ever after while you’re here on earth. Remember, worry is a choice and you choose your thoughts.