Worry is EVERYWHERE today, and it’s making you sick. Scrolling through Facebook is enough to churn anyone’s stomach nowadays. So much hate, so little grace!
Click & Tweet!
Yet God says, “Do not worry” about anything. But how?!
In this short article, you’ll discover:
- Jesus’ wise words on worry.
- Worry makes you sick.
- How to stop worry.
Wise Words on Worry
Read this peace-filled passage, these Jesus words:
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Luke 12:22-24 (NIV)
Birds and wild flowers — valuable, yes. But God values you so much more than them. Don’t his words calm your soul?
Worry Makes You Sick
Here’s what happens to you when you worry. And almost anything contributes to worry-stress: grumpy kids, a messy house, an overbearing or passive husband, gossipy coworkers. . .but especially your attitude about your circumstances.
So what’s your main stressor? How do you respond?
You feel stress in your body. Stress may tighten your neck, tense your back, or bring on a migraine. It can mess with your digestion and raise your blood pressure.
You eat poorly. You are more likely to turn to more snacks and less fruit, plus LOTS of chocolate and skipped meals. Here’s a better choice right here
You skip exercise. When stressed, you may lack the energy to work out or take a walk when getting moving will actually energize you. And it wil give you more time to ruminate on my worries.
Wouldn’t you like to know how to stop worry?
How to Stop Worrying
Simply, FOCUS. Focus on Jesus and his love. Focus on God and his greatness and protection and care. This thought journal right here helps you do transform your thoughts.
Stop focusing on yourself. Be other-centered. Be God-centered. Click & Tweet!With a new focus, right now decide one thing you can do — yes, action! — that helps someone. I’ll start with a few ideas and I’d love to hear yours.
Write a thank you note and mail it.
Help your child with a school project.
Phone a family member or friend and ask about her life.
Think About It
How does the action of helping someone help squash worry? What are other choices you can make to stay safe from worry sickness?
Sharing Hope with Your Heart,
Thank you for the tips on how to stop worry. We all know that not one day can be added to your lives by worry. My secret when something overwhelms me at home: put on a christian c.d. and rest with my eyes closed…focusing only on the music of God or words spoken.
You’re welcome, Kc. For me, music helps A LOT. I also need to recognize I’m worrying. This is the toughest part for me. When worry becomes a habit, we often do not even know we’re doing it. Once I recognize I worry, I repent. I choose to turn away from the worry — since as you say, not one day can be added to one’s life by worry — and choose to trust God with my situation. Sometimes I need to repent over and over when I sink back into worry. Only by God’s grace do we find freedom from worry.