I let one particular worry throw a dark cloud on my thoughts at least once every day.  The dread that this worry brings makes my stomach twist.  But I’m learning to identify the source of this worry. This isn’t God’s voice.  This fear-mongering is from my soul’s enemy who hates me and wants to drag me down. He cruelly reminds me how difficult my life would be if/when this dreaded event actually happens.  What is the shadow of worry/fear in your life?  Maybe you don’t even want to say it out loud for fear of jinxing yourself.  But God helps us overcome worry.  This is how he does it.  (Spoiler alert:  these are some of my very favorite verses in the Bible.)

1.  Our Father God speaks lovingly and kindly to us. Not cruelly and hatefully like the devil.
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.  Now we call him, “Abba [Daddy], Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”  Romans 8:15-16
“He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
    He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.”  Psalm 144:2

2.  He promises us that no matter what happens, he is with us. We’re never alone.
   “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20

3.  He invites us to talk to him about this worry.  I’m dumping my worries at his feet. 
   “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need…”  Philippians 4:6 
   “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”  1 Peter 5:7
    “Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”  Psalm 55:22

4.  He reminds us that his plan for us is good. My story has a happy ending.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28 

5.  He reminds us that his gift to us is peace.  I’m resting in my loving God. 
   “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them.  
   Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws;
    our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.
In the night I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek you.  Isaiah 26:3, 7-9
   “‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:32
   And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.  Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.”  Colossians 3:15-16
   “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 4:7

6.  He reminds us to be grateful for every blessing today. . .and for all the times he has shown up for us in the past. This positive mindset is life-giving.
   “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 5:20

7.  He reminds us that he gives us his undefeatable power so we can consistently do the next right thing.  He is empowering me!
   “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7
   “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”  Ephesians 5:10-11
   So we can say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper,
so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?”  Hebrews 13:6 quoting Psalm 118:6
   “Our city is strong!   [our souls are strong]
We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation.”  Isaiah 26:1

8.  He tells us that worrying about the future is futile.  I shouldn’t waste emotional energy that can’t bring change.
  “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
   So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
   “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.“ Matthew 6:16, 31-34   
   Worrying is fear about what will happen tomorrow, or next year.  We are as Husband’s mother says, “borrowing trouble.”  We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, we are only imagining what might happen.  It isn’t reality.  We must remember that worrying won’t change tomorrow. Reminding ourselves that our God is with us and has a good plan for us will give us the courage to face whatever tomorrow brings.  Living in the reality of today’s blessings and problem-solving today’s challenges is far more productive.  

There is a big difference between worrying and planning. Worrying is responding to future needs with fear and it is fruitless because it paralyzes us.  Planning is recognizing future needs and taking steps now to meet them.  It is active and so it is productive. Of course, in all our planning, we recognize only God decides the outcomes.

9.  He promises that we have a bright, eternal future with him where sadness will be forever forgotten. I’m living with that bright prospect in mind.
   “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”  Revelation 21:4
What is your worry?  Are you alert to recognize Satan’s fear-mongering voice?  Do you fill your mind with God’s words so you can resist fear?
“when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings!  Psalm 61:2-4

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower;  the righteous run to it and are safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

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