“Do not be anxious about anything!” (Phil. 4:6) Well, that’s short and simple. So, why do people worry? Why are you sometimes anxious? I can think of numerous legitimate reasons: cares of responsible living, relational issues, health problems, details surrounding death, unexpected sorrows, financial concerns. Realistically, there are also reasons not so legitimate. Regardless, let’s explore tips for anxiety and worry.
Anxiety And Worry
You know, ” . . . in this world you will have troubles.” Do you know who said that? Jesus did. Check out Jn. 16:33. I think that makes Him a realist.
Thankfully, the verse goes on to give hope you need to overcome anxiety and worry. Jesus immediately adds – “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Think with me. A good, responsible party (i.e., parent, king, commander, boss, etc.) looks after needs of those under them. As a demonstration of “goodness” and “responsibility,” they address injustices, health concerns, and basic life needs. They also provide opportunities for development, exercise compassion, and are sensitive to unexpected difficulties.
God Is Good
If this is true of good leaders on earth, why would you – or anyone – doubt God would do any less? “Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure.” (Ps. 73:1)
Motives are pure when you take every concern and fully trust God, who is good. Additionally, your motives are pure when you trust He will come through for you – in whatever way He knows is best.
God certainly is good. He already has done so much for you –
- Quite literally, He fathered you.
- Amazingly, He created you with all your unique tendencies.
- Remarkably, He adopted you back when you (and all humanity) ran from His loving care.
- Further, He plans meticulously for the growth of your faith and character.
- Creatively, He extends unbelievable opportunities during your lifetime – as you trust Him.
- Frankly, God preserves and holds your life together – and much more.
Ps. 145:9 says, “The Lord is good to all. He has compassion on all He has made.”
Yes, God, your Father, is good.
He Won’t Forget Or Be Late
Here are some questions to consider as you think through your anxieties and worries.
- Do you believe God cares about your life?
- Further, do you believe you are of great worth to Him?
- Now, this question – do you believe He targets you with His love?
- Do you believe He can hold your life together and not miss a thing?
God will not forget, nor will He be late. You are of great value to Him. He holds you in His hands, and He holds your life together.
Questions About Anxiety And Worry
I love good questions. So, let’s consider a few.
- Have you considered how many times you worry about life issues?
- Further, have you considered when you ask God for help, that He’s already in action to answer your cries. Afterall, He fully intends to address your needs and concerns.
- If you believe God, why do you worry?
- If you don’t believe God, you better worry! Why? Because you don’t have His power working on your behalf.
Yikes! That’s something to consider. If you don’t believe the Lord, maybe you should be worried and anxious. Nevertheless, all it takes is one choice –
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7)
Why People Worry
Here are some reasons why you might worry instead of trusting God.
- First, perhaps you don’t trust Him fully yet.
- Additionally, you may not be close to Him, so you doubt He will help you.
- Too often, people question the timing of His answers.
- Sadly, you might feel less than lovable – so you don’t expect goodness from God.
- Could be – you have trouble wrapping your brain around someone so great and holy genuinely caring about you.
- More than you think, you might be afraid His answers won’t look the way you want.
- Equally, it’s possible you may fear God just might overlook important details.
- Frankly, way too often, people simply want their own way. What about you?
- Ridiculously, some believe God is not great enough to tackle anxieties and worries without additional help.
Whatever your reasons to worry, they suggest a lack of trust. Remember this verse? “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6)
Essentially, everything done outside of faith is empty. This, alone, is enough reason to engage faith in all your life issues.
What God Does
Jesus brings His power to counteract anxiety and worry. Regrettably, many believers never get free from anxiety and worry because – they hang onto them. Let go of them – and embrace Christ’s power, instead.
If someone offers you a gift, but your hands are already full – you have to let go of what’s in your hands to receive the gift.
Basically, you can’t have it both ways. You can either worry – or trust. Simplistically, that’s how it is.
Jesus’ Time On Earth
Before His ministry began, consider with me what Jesus may have been doing. Nowhere in Scripture does it say this. However, I believe He was holding His earthly family together since His earthly father, Joseph, had died. Mary, His mother, had no partner and no financial support.
Well, Jesus was a trained carpenter. There were a bunch of kids in His childhood family – His brothers and sisters. I believe He was supporting His mother while creating a future for her . . . knowing He’d soon be called into full-time ministry to fulfill the glory of God.
Therefore, like Jesus – do the critical, practical, sometimes hard work of loving, protecting, providing for family and others in your life. Simultaneously, trust God to open doors in His impeccable timing for any additional work you may have on this earth.
Jas. 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This was written by Jesus’ younger brother, James.
Jesus was showing God’s heart with practical actions. Mary, His mother, and His siblings were being cared for – prepared for the future – when He must step out to do the work of the cross.
In other words, regarding human anxiety and worries, Jesus personally always did what was needed – to show how God cares for His family.
Simply, do what God puts in front of you and trust Him for the rest – like Jesus did.
Now, Some Tips For Anxiety And Worry
Trust Jesus and everything He claims.- Believe God will keep His promises to you.
- Choose to not fear.
- Trust God’s love for you. Enjoy Him each day.
- Let thankfulness replace worry.
- Spend time each day in Scripture.
- Present your needs and concerns to God.
- Resolve to trust God’s timing, even if it’s different than yours.
- Write down your worries. Then, lift that paper up to God and simply give it all to Him.
- Importantly, speak careful words of hope from Scripture into your own life or another person’s life. Not words of doubt, fear, worry, or pride. Afterall, words have power.
These tips are actions of faith.
What Not To Do
- Refuse to give power to anxiety and worry.
- Also, don’t use words of doubt, fear, worry, or pride. Afterall, words have power.
- Don’t keep thinking about your worrisome situation.
- Regardless of how you feel, don’t let your feelings control your perspective.
- Above all, don’t doubt God’s love for you and His power over your anxieties.
Remember, God always supports and rewards your steps into healthy living.
Partner With Alive And Active Life
I just want to take a moment to say –
- First, thank you for being part of our community and this ministry.
- Additionally, please pray for Alive and Active Life.
- Plus, use your voice to get the word out! Basically, tell others about us.
- Further, pray about financially supporting us. Afterall, your gift helps us reach people who need encouragement in this broken, upside-down world.
- Finally, we want to hear from you.
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- What do you like?
- How have you been helped?
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Our email address: connect@aliveandactivelife.org.
Application Thoughts And Questions
What kinds of things do you get anxious about?- Do you patiently wait for God’s answers and interventions?
- Which of God’s promises are you claiming? Remember – He intends to keep all His promises to you.
- Do you have an open mind – letting go of things that trouble you – ready to receive whatever God is prepared to do?
- Further, do you willingly let God decide what is best?
- Which of the 10 tips is hardest for you to do? (Review them.)
* Portions of this content come from my book – Sharp Shooting: Your Bronze Bow – a devotional book that takes you through Matthew and powerfully challenges you to live like Jesus lives. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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