Overcoming Worry with an Action Plan
Worry. It’s the constant companion of the anxious mind. You’re not alone if you’ve ever spent a sleepless night thinking about everything that could go wrong. But here’s the kicker: worry doesn’t fix anything. It’s like rocking in a chair—keeps you moving but doesn’t get you anywhere.
Let’s dive into a game plan to obliterate those anxious thoughts, once and for all.
What Is Worry, Really?
Worry is overthinking on steroids. It’s our body’s automatic, knee-jerk response to life’s challenges (hello, John 16:33!). The word "worry" comes from the Old English “wyrgan,” meaning to strangle. And that’s exactly what it does—it chokes the life out of us, distracting us from what truly matters.
Ordinary worry is that nagging thought in the back of your mind when you’re trying to sleep. It doesn’t disable you, but it’s still a pain. But debilitating worry? The kind that leads to panic attacks, physical symptoms, and life disruptions? That’s a whole different beast—and it affects millions of people every year.
But God…
Here’s the kicker: God says, don’t worry about anything. Sounds impossible, right? But Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to pray about everything, give thanks, and let God handle the rest. God’s got this—every situation, big or small.
So how do you make this a reality?
The Anti-Worry Action Plan
It’s simple, but it works. The solution to worry is tied up in what you think and do. At its core: self-counsel. What you tell yourself has a huge impact on your actions. Here’s how you can start taking control:
Think Biblically
Remember God’s Promise: God cares for you, no matter what happens. Meditate on passages like Psalm 23, Matthew 6:25-34, and Luke 12:22-34. Pick one and memorize it.
Change Your Thought Patterns: Ask God for help in shifting your thinking. Every time a worrisome thought pops up, replace it with a faith-filled truth.
Counter Worry with God’s Truth: Daily remind yourself of these three powerful truths:
Worry shows lack of trust in God and is a sin (Matthew 6:25, 34).
God provides for all our needs (Matthew 6:33).
Today has enough trouble—don’t drag tomorrow’s anxiety into today (Matthew 6:34).
Act Biblically
Pray: Philippians 4:6 tells us to pray with thanksgiving about everything. Worry doesn’t stand a chance when you fill your mind with gratitude and prayer.
Serve Others: Worry focuses on me. Serving others shifts the focus to God and others, helping you rise above your own anxious thoughts.
Do What You Know Is Right: Even if you feel anxious, do the right thing anyway. It’s like building spiritual muscle. God works everything together for your good (Romans 8:28-29).
Final Thoughts: Worry is a Thief
Worry robs you of today’s peace, while offering you no guarantees about tomorrow. Corrie Ten Boom put it perfectly: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”
So stop letting worry hijack your joy and your energy. Use this action plan to replace worry with peace, trust God with your fears, and experience real change in your life. It’s time to reclaim your strength and stop letting anxiety run the show.
P.S. Grab your Free 14-page Guide, 7 Keys to Panic Freedom here. Fast, easy download.
Sources:
[1] Erma Bombeck Quotes, Goodreads, accessed May 27, 2021, https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/140315-worry-is-like-a-rocking-chair-it-gives-you-something.
[2] “Generalized Anxiety Disorder,” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, accessed May 27, 2021, https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad.
[3] Paul Tautges, “14 Daggers that Help Kill Worry,” Biblical Counseling Coalition, December 2, 2014, accessed May 27, 2021, https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2014/12/02/14-daggers-that-help-to-kill-worry/.
[4] This action plan draws majorly from John C. Brogan’s Self-Confrontation: A Manual for In-Depth Discipleship.
[5] Corrie Ten Boom, Clippings from my Notebook, (Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982).