What Have You Gained from Worrying?

Do you believe that some human beings have the tendency to worry their lives away, fearing the future or dreading the consequences of their past behavior? Some worry because their imaginations are fixated on negative thoughts.

So what is an alternative to worrying? Ask yourself: “What is the worst possible thing that could happen? What can I do to cope with these problems productively, and who can help me today?” First, get the facts by asking instructive questions to discover if your worrying has a realistic basis.

The crucial question is, “Do I have control over the object of my worry?” If not, be willing to turn the problem over to others who can be more objective. Then emotionally and physically let go of the issue so God can do his part to help you.

Ask God for faith to trust his ability and wisdom to solve your problems. Pray until you feel safe in God’s protection and care for you.           

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Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he might exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

~1 Peter 5:6-7 New American Standard Bible

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What Role Does the Imagination Play in Navigating Life?

Children consistently use their imaginations, especially when playing by themselves. In adolescence the imagination helps shape identity by dreaming of future possibilities. As a teenager I pictured myself being the pilot of a jet fighter, but that dream wasn’t meant to be.

The imagination plays an essential role in what we worry about by constructing images of our concerns. The imagination intensifies feelings of worry and anxiety because worry constantly focuses on what is negative and harmful to our sense of well-being.

The tendency to worry is real, yet you have the power to redirect your imagination away from negative thinking. Listen to Jesus in Luke 21:14. “Make up your mind ahead of time not to worry about how to conduct yourself. I will give you words and wisdom that no other person will be able to refute.” Imagine Jesus giving you what you need to face any situation.

           

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Turn your burdens over to the Lord and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble.

~Psalm 55:22 God's Word Translation

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Is Self-blame Closely Related to Worrying?

As a consequence for not being adequately prepared, a college student may imagine the fallout from having failed a major exam. Should the student blame himself or herself for elevating other activities above preparing for the test? Worry is often connected with self-blame and therefore justified.

Self-blame is closely followed by blaming others for life’s problems. Imaginary conversations with oneself and others is common in attempting to justify and manage our failures. Worry is, in fact, an unproductive means for seeking solutions to unsolvable problems we have created.

Worry steals time and energy that should be directed toward  learning valuable lessons God is willing to teach you. Listen to God’s word from Psalm 34:4. “I sought the Lord and he answered and delivered me.” Trusting in God gives you confidence to go forward and face the future knowing that you are not alone. Believe God is with you.      

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Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

~Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

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What Can Overcome the Tendency to Worry?

Is it possible for worry to be in control of your attitude? Attitude is a powerful force in determining behaviors that are positive or negative. Worry saps mental and physical energy in addition to obscuring God’s blessings. Worry tends to fixate on what is negative.

I recently heard about a man who lost his family’s restaurant by gambling while trying to win enough money to pay past bills. Imagine the shame and guilt he felt facing his family with such devastating news. Worrying can set in motion risky behaviors and bad choices.

Seeking forgiveness for throwing away what God has provided is where to begin, but this will not negate the suffering you experience for bad decisions. God will provide strength and courage to turn again in faith to the giver of life itself. Take courage, for you can survive with a tiny mustard seed faith. 

God’s power and grace are greater than all our sins and mistakes.               

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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. 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 heart and mind as you live in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7 New Living Translation

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What Releases You from the Tendency to Worry?

“If you don’t stop worrying, you are going to make yourself sick.” This statement has relevance and truth whenever  worry is permitted to continue indefinitely. Some physical illnesses as well as stress and mental anguish are caused by anxiety and worry.

Worry is connected to disappointments and a sense of failure to control other people’s ideas, attitudes, and values. The end product of worry is that it dulls your faith in God to provide what you need regardless of its importance. It feels as if you’re alone seeking impossible solutions.

Instead of allowing worry to make you sick, permit God to empower you with a change of attitude that releases the power grip that worry has on you. Accept God’s promise to take care of you through every day in every way. To strengthen your faith, concentrate on the majesty and power of God found in Christ Jesus. He will take care of you because God loves you. 

Believe! He will do it.     

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So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.   

~Matthew 6:34 New Living Translation/The Message

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What Does Worry Have to Do with Frustration?

Worry is closely associated with fear or guilt. Worry can be active below our consciousness even when we’re focused on other activities. Being confronted with a lack of faith in God’s guidance and care, we tend to lapse into apprehensiveness about what will surely transpire in the future.

Worry is allied with anxiety and fear because of our lack of control over other people and events. Apprehensiveness can be relieved by taking action to correct what is wrong rather than obsessing over the problems. This means asking God to help you discover solutions.

Worry creates frustration, which implies lack of trust for God’s immediate help. 

God does expect us to take responsibility for what we failed to do in the past. When you do take responsibility, God will do his part by giving you insight and wisdom for making things right. You can trust God to be faithful to his word when you seek his guidance.  

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Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

~Psalm 37:7 New Living Translation

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What Are the Demands of Frustration?

Frustration can become so constant that you fail to realize the impact it has on you emotionally and physically. We’re destined to experience conflict stemming from other people’s attitudes and behaviors. When too much frustration is layered into our consciousness, overreacting appears unconstrained.

One way to manage negative thoughts and feelings is to change your mindset. This includes believing God is present with you, although it may not immediately seem obvious. Know that you are doing your best and God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself when the time is right.

Dealing constructively with frustration demands learning how to flow with other people’s patterns of life. This means believing you are under the umbrella of God’s protection and he will help you understand what to do differently. Take a moment now to reflect and pray. 

Sensing God’s presence will calm your emotions and give you confidence. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace and patience.                

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Be patient and wait for the Lord to act; don’t be worried about those who prosper or those who succeed in their evil plans. Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble. Those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

~Psalm 37:7-9 Good News Bible

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