3 Steps to Uproot Worry
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Worry has been an unwelcome guest in my heart many times for many reasons. Over the years I’ve noticed a bit of a battle plan forming and wanted to share it with you.
These are 3 steps I employ to uproot worry:
- Pay attention to your thoughts. “be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind” (Romans 12:2a, VOICE). I mentioned in the devotional today the tendency of worry to creep in and catch us off guard. Most often, that happens in the quiet spaces of my thoughts. What begins as a whisper, when entertained, becomes a whirlwind of worry. Step one in pulling these thorns from our souls is awareness to the whispers. Once we recognize them – those subtle distractions or doubts – we can take the next step to address them.
- Tell yourself the truth. “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth” (Ephesians 6:14a, NLT). For a long time I thought I could shove the thorns of worry away. I recognized them as they crept into my thoughts, but I never actually did anything with them. Consequently, over time I made a nice little pile of worry in a corner of my heart and at just the right time I ran into it … or tripped over it. We can’t just ignore worry, we have to answer it. When we start to underestimate God’s reach, we remind ourselves, “everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory” (Romans 11:36). When we’re convinced everything depends on us we say, “my God will meet all {my} needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
- Pray – as many times as it takes. “Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). There’s a spot on the floor in my closet. It’s become one of my favorite places in the house. I visit it often on the days thorns of worry threaten. It’s my place to get close to God. He is the ultimate Gardner of our souls. He knows what we need and He meets us when we draw near.
I pray these steps help you begin the process of weeding thorns of worry from your soul. Which one will you focus on today?
Thank you for your encouraging words. I long to give God the power over my whirlwind.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WILL STARTWITH THE FIRST STEP.
GOD BLESS YOU.
I am struggling with worry and anxiety. I have made choices that I worry God won’t forgive me. I worry that I am not doing everything right for my son. That I am a bad mom. Lately life just seems overwhelming and for the first time I feel far from God. I am a Christian and can hear the truth occasionally…but then worry and doubt tell me I am not forgiven, I can’t be loved, I am a failure. Thank you for your devotional…
Upon awakening from a night of dreams & anxious thoughts
in the middle of the sleepless night, your devotion was such a
timely gift. Thank you, Katy.
I will take these steps with me daily to help with anxiety. Following my gut instincts should lead me to prayer asking God to intervene and protect me in times of worry instead of letting it consume me as it has done in the past.
I really enjoyed your contribution to the daily reflection. The comparison story and how it related to worry really spoke to me. Unfortunately, this world gives us many opportunities to worry. And your reflection today is So very helpful. Thank you, Maura Ziegler
Hi Katy,
I just wanted to thank you so very much for this particular reading today; it was exactly what I needed to read, hear and practice! Im feeling so much better after that and motivated to get stuff done rejoicing in God! I thank you so much for so eloquently putting that reading and discussion out there about worry because it has consumed me. I thank you so much !
Have a great day,
Jan Rentel