Worry: an opportunity to trust God
When we worry, our minds get an unnecessary workout. We run through all the possible outcomes of our situation. We jump to conclusions before getting all the facts. We weigh ourselves down with all the “what-ifs.” Truly, worrying is an exercise in futility. Worry leads to fear and stress instead of faith and rest.
As Jesus talked about worry, He redirected our focus onto God. Our worries do not change the character of God. Ultimately, grasping God’s character changes how we handle our worries. Perhaps the most poignant phrase Jesus said to those who worry is: “your heavenly Father knows” (Matthew 6:32).
God knows what’s going on in your life. He cares about your situation. He loves you. Worry steals your peace and joy, but the Lord gives them abundantly. We pray these truths from our Keys for Living book, Worry: The Joy Stealer, will help you find freedom and joy as you look to the Lord.
“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy.”
(Psalm 34:4–5 NLT)
10 Biblical Truths on Worry
God wants you to remember that He is good and gracious and has compassion for you.
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
(Psalm 145:8–9)
God wants you to remember He promises to meet your needs.
“My God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:19)
God does not want you to live in a state of worry.
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
(Matthew 6:34)
God is with you when you’re worried and afraid.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
(Isaiah 41:10)
God wants you to look to Him when you’re filled with worry.
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
(Psalm 94:19)
God wants you to look to His Word when you’re tempted to worry.
“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.”
(Psalm 119:143 NLT)
God wants you to trust Him when you’re worried – to have faith and not fear.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
(Psalm 56:3)
God wants you to give Him all your worries because He cares for you.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
(1 Peter 5:7 NLT)
God wants you to encourage others when they are worried.
“Encourage one another and build each other up.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
God wants you to tell Him your worries and thank Him for all He has done for you.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6–7 NLT)
How to Release Your Worry to God
How do you let go of worry? First, identify what worries you – every issue, every situation. Then, go to God in all humility and surrender the situation and yourself to the Lord. Although you may feel completely powerless, you have the power to release your worry to Him.
Releasing Your Worry Prayer
“Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me.
Thank you for caring about me.
Since you know everything, you know
the strong sense of fear and worry
I have felt about ( name or situation ).
Thank you for understanding my worry
and forgiving me when I struggle with avoidance
and seek control through worry.
Right now, I release all of my worry to you.
I trust you with my situation, my future, and myself.
In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you.”
(Psalm 55:22)
Helpful Resources for You
Video Course
This 71-minute video course with June Hunt and other experienced counselors provides a context for life change – to study and reflect on what God’s Word says about worry and receive practical guidance to correct underlying beliefs, develop healthy thought patterns, recover your joy, and find peace in the Lord. Includes a digital study guide to follow along with the course with helpful notes, reflection questions, and scriptures for deeper study.
Keys for Living Book
Worrying steals our peace and robs our joy, yet we can’t seem to stop doing it. This Keys for Living book shows how you can let go of the stresses of yesterday, the trials of today, and the fearful “what ifs” of tomorrow. Discover how God can provide peace and joy in the midst of stress and worry. Print or digital version available.
- August 23, 2022
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