Stopping Worry in Its Path

Posted bynlbiwowwPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , ,

A possible scenario hits us like a brick.

Our brains go into problem-solving mode, or our emotions take over immediately.

And shortly thereafter, it’s full-blown worry.

But there’s a better way. There’s a right way.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 New International Version).

Yes, you probably have read it before. Maybe a thousand times. But don’t stop reading if this is something that you deal with. This word may be for you.

  1. Don’t be anxious. Don’t be anxious. Don’t be anxious. No matter how many times we say it to ourselves, unless we put the rest of the verse into practice, the repetition probably won’t help.
  2. BUT. This word clearly indicates there is an option. This is the time to stop . . . at the onset of the thought. Stop the distracting thoughts that lead to sinful anxiety or worry. But what are we to do? Holy Spirit tells us through the Apostle Paul exactly what to do —
  3. “. . . by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This is to be our FIRST RESPONSE to POTENTIAL anxiety, which could be considered a TEMPTATION to become anxious. In other words, we DO NOT have to EXPERIENCE THE ANXIETY BEFORE PRAYING ABOUT IT. In fact, the Word says, “DON”T be anxious” (my emphasis). INSTEAD we are to pray and petition Father and give thanks.
  4. How can we do this? Rather than enveloping ourselves in a thought when it enters our mind, “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV) and pray about every concern INSTEAD of speculating, ruminating, pondering all that could possibly go wrong. Ahhh. Take a breath and pray.
  5. Isn’t it encouraging that He tells us to give thanks?! When we ask AND give thanks, we demonstrate our trust in the Lord. We trust that His will shall be done — “His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV).
  6. The result? “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NIV). Peace. Remember Jesus’ words, “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).

Here’s a footnote for your consideration. I believe there is a difference between having anxiety about the potential “what ifs” of life discussed in this article and being fully aware of what is likely to happen based on historical evidence. We need to use wisdom and discernment when there is a history of problems that could be stopped. Here are two examples.

  1. If you have an illness and begin to experience the associated symptoms, pray AND get help.
  2. If you have been abused in any way and see your abuser approaching you, pray AND get help. Use wisdom when choosing whom to tell but get help.

Whatever situations we face, we are to pray. With faith. And be thankful for God’s answer to our prayers.

“Holy Father, please communicate your truth about this difficult subject to each of us. Help us to obey Your will. Grant us the help we need. Grant us peace. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”

-Jo Umberger