How To Stop WorryingExemplo

How Do You Stop? 

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines worry this way: “to afflict with mental distress or agitation: make anxious.” God doesn’t want you afflicted with distress or agitation!

He knows that the cares you face living in this world are very real, but He doesn’t want you in bondage to them, which is where worrying can take you. 

The word worry reminds me of a dog worrying a bone. First he chews and gnaws on it over and over again. Then he takes it outside and buries it in the yard. He puts it out of sight, much like putting questions on a back burner.

But you know what happens with the bone? The dog goes back and digs it up! Then he gnaws on it for another few hours, even though it’s dirty and has no more meat on it.

I’ve done that. I’ve worried over something, then tried to put it out of my mind, only to go back, dig it up, and start gnawing on it all over again. Have you? I’m pretty sure we’ve all done it.

But God says don’t. Because He wants you to live a worry-free life, full of peace.

So how do you stop worrying? You keep looking into the Word of God, reading it, and believing it. Faith for living worry-free will come by hearing the Word. 

Don’t fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. — PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7, AMP

We like that part about having God’s peace—everyone needs it. But notice there’s a condition. No fretting! No anxiety! Who’s in charge of not fretting or being anxious? You are.