Worry is a temptation that all of us could succumb to if we let it. The problem is that we can’t worry and stand in faith at the same time. Constant anxiousness will crumble our ability to believe in God through difficulty. It will rob us of peace and joy all day and at night. Our flesh wants us to worry so that we can figure out how to control a situation. However, our spirit wants us to surrender and trust God through every situation in our lives.

Personally, I sometimes fall into worry before I realize it. I start thinking about something and find myself getting all worked up and before you know it…I’m snapping at somebody. It’s less about what they’ve done and more about what is going on inside of me. .

When we feel the urge or temptation to worry, we can turn to Philippians 4:6-8.

#1) “Do not be anxious about anything”
We are instructed by God to not be anxious about anything—that is our children, our health, our finances, our jobs, our relationships—nothing! We don’t have God’s permission to worry about anything. The first in dealing with constant anxiousness is to realize that it’s not God’s will for our lives.

#2) “But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”
Our flesh will lead us to worry, but our spirit will lead us to surrender everything. We must take every concern and lay it at Jesus’ feet in prayer. Yet, we also remember to give thanks with our petitions because God is always good even when we have situations arising in our lives.

#3) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
There is a peace that comes only from God to keep us from a state of anxiousness. His peace calms our inner spirit so that we know He’s got it even when we don’t have it. His peace brings assurance that God is in control and not us. His peace restores and aligns our hearts with the truths of His word.

#4) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”
As we experience God’s peace about our situation, we then choose the course of our thinking in order to maintain calm. We think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or worthy of praise. We allow the Holy Spirit to inspire our minds towards Him and not our circumstances.

As long as we live in this sinful world, we can find things to worry about. Yet, as long as we continue to remain connected to our Lord in prayer, we can always find peace in the midst of chaos. Our spirits will overcome the temptations of the flesh to worry.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I’m tempted to worry and I need Your peace that passes all understanding. Help me to guide my thoughts towards You more than my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,