5 Keys to Stay Worry Free
We have discussed many aspects that cause clutter in our minds throughout January. Here is a link to the previous blogs if you missed any of them.
5 Keys to Find Peace in the Storms of Life
Of all the things that clutter our minds, worry would probably rise to the top as the number one cause of clutter. It sneaks in and infiltrates our thoughts, taking the place of any peace that was once present.
Worry. What is it exactly? The Meriam Dictionary defines worry as a British word meaning CHOKE or STRANGLE: to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat; to touch or disturb something repeatedly; to change the position of or adjust by repeated pushing or hauling; to assail with rough or aggressive attack or treatment: TORMENT; to subject to persistent or nagging attention or effort; to afflict with mental distress or agitation: make anxious.
Worry is evil – plain and simple. We have no right as Christians to even give it an ounce of our attention. Worry never has, nor will it ever help you out. It is a weapon used by the enemy to repeatedly harass you, disturb you, and agitate you. The devil's purpose in getting you to worry is to cause your faith to be null and void.
Faith and Fear (the root of worry) are direct opposites. They work in the same way. Both come by hearing and meditating on something. Fear or worry comes from meditating on what could happen that is bad; faith meditates on the Word of God and believes that God will provide the answer and way of escape.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Did you read that? Fear is a spirit, and it is sent from the depths of hell to harass you and cause you mental distress. Not only that, but we know that worry doesn't stop in our minds. If gone unchecked, it causes all kinds of physical health problems. As Dr. Gober, the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Hospital Associations chief physician said, "You do not get stomach ulcers from what you eat. You get ulcers from what is eating you."
Worry will eat you alive if you let it. If you have followed me for long, you know that I once struggled with anxiety and panic attacks daily. Those attacks affected every part of my being. I didn't know if I was having a heart attack or what the problem was.
I was never anxious about finances or my husband and children. No, my fear and worry and anxiety came from trying to be everything to everyone. I wasn't just a people pleaser; I was a people impresser.
So, how did I get free from panic attacks? Well, I learned I couldn't be everything to everyone. And although it really hurts, it's okay if I don't have the approval of everyone. The only one I need the approval of is God. That's it!
My husband and I discussed the clutter of worry in our live Wednesday night Bible Study. You can watch it here.
There is much to say about this subject. In fact, my book Planted goes into depth about this subject. Each chapter has guided journal questions to take you through finding the root of your worry and anxiety. There is also a video teaching that goes along with each chapter. You can watch the videos for free here. If you struggle with worry, I hope you will get the book and reach out to me. I would love to pray with you and help you on your journey to be anxiety-free.
To close out, I would like to share my power 5. Those things that I have learned to do DAILY to keep worry and anxiety out of my life. They are:
1. Make a plan. We are not to worry about the future, but it is good to have a plan. I know that when I write down what I need to do, it frees up my mind to think of other things. It also helps me realize that my to-dos list is not as daunting as I have made them out to be in my mind.
Along with planning, it is important to journal – especially if you are feeling stressed. Getting your concerns on paper helps to minimize its power over you and allows you to deal with them logically.
2. Read the Word. I know this is in all of my lists and will always be! If you are not loading your mind and spirit with the Word of God, you have nothing to fight the worry and anxiety off with. You must build your faith in God and His Word.
3. Pray. By pray, I mean to talk to God ALL DAY! Have a running dialogue with Him about everything. When a thought comes to you that you have a temptation to worry about, give it to God instead. As 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Give ALL your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." This isn't just a one and done thing! This is an all-day thing! When a worry comes, acknowledge it for what it is and give it to God. Then do my number 4…
4. Be thankful. Thank God for the answer to your problem or situation. That is what faith is. It believes God (ahead of time) for working on your behalf.
If someone tells you they will go wash your car for you, the correct response is to thank them right then, not just when it is done. Why? You are acknowledging their kindness for what they WILL be doing. Well, God is the same way. When you give Him your problem, thank Him right then for what He is going to do. (If you have any doubt that He will take care of you, that is a sign that you need to spend more time with Him.)
5. Exercise. I heard those growls… However, exercise is scientifically proven to help you relieve stress, worry, and anxiety. When you take care of the temple God gave you by fueling it correctly and exercising, you will function better – PERIOD!
So, don't let the fear of exercising stop you. As Nike says, "JUST DO IT."
If you would like more help with worry and anxiety, I have provided a free resource called Renew. It is a digital magazine that contains 21 verses and confessions for anxiety and depression. Check it out here.
I would love to hear from you. Tell me in the comments which one (or all 5) of the power 5 you will start today.