Break Free From Worrying

I had refined my ability to worry to a fine art. I jumped at the sound of an unexpected phone call from my family. Sounds of sirens close to my ailing parents’ house resulted in my heart racing like a Ferrari. I needed to break free from worrying but did not know it yet.

My worrying wasn’t contained to individual circumstances. It would quickly spiral into a vortex that pulled me deeper into the mire of what-ifs. My underlying belief was that the worst-case scenario would happen. Does that happen to you?

But, I discovered how to break free from worrying and you can too.

I clearly remember the exact incident which showed me my worrying had to stop. Our realtor was driving me to a car rental office during our move to Baton Rouge. As we arrived, I realized I did not have the state-required proof of auto insurance with me. With a quavering voice, I verbalized my escalating fears culminating in, what if I were pulled over by the police. What then? Our realtor turned to me and simply asked, why would that happen?

Shocked by the truth of what he said, I realized I had allowed the iron grip of worrying to control my thoughts and life.

I needed to act; to break free from worrying.

Every time that I felt the knot in the pit of my stomach, or the tension in my shoulders I remembered to question my worst-case scenario assumptions. I forced myself to look at what was more likely to happen. This helped, but the real change started with something else.  

I changed my perspective.

Understanding the Power of God Helps us to Stop Worrying

I was focusing on who I was. On how I could control what was going on with myself and my family. I was afraid that I would not be able to care for them or protect them. Maybe you have felt that too.

When I looked at this belief objectively, I realized that the task was impossible for me. No person can control so many variables. I was chagrined by the amount of energy I had expended on a task that was not only impossible but was not mine!

A new friend showed me that only God has the power, the knowledge, the plan, and the desire to care for us. He provides all that we need when we need it. His care is rooted in His goodness and love, not in a sense of responsibility.

My perspective changed from me to God being in control.  

If I was going to trust God, I desperately needed to know more about Him. I dug into the Bible.   

As I did, gradually I emerged from a cocoon of worrying. It has been a process, but my life now is filled with much more beauty and freedom.

Over the next few days, I will explain how you can break free from worrying too. I will share some verses and thoughts that encouraged me. Here is the first one.

Understanding God Values You Allows You to Break Free From Worrying

“What is the value of your soul to God? Could your worth be defined by an amount of money? God doesn’t abandon or forget even the small sparrow he has made. How then could he forget or abandon you? What about the seemingly minor issues of your life? Do they matter to God? Of course they do! So you never need to worry, for you are more valuable to God than anything else in this world.” Luke 12:6-7 (TPT)

This verse helps me profoundly. In a world where many view their worth through the lens of money, it is encouraging to see that God values me, my soul, more than money.

He will not forget or abandon me. So even if a worst-case scenario develops, I will not be left alone in it. Neither will my family, neither will you.

God will be with me through it all. He knows exactly what I am going through. He will talk to me on the journey and show me what to do. I only need to ask – and listen for His voice.

I am reassured that the One who created all cares about my problems and concerns. They matter to God and so do I. So do you.

As I continue to allow this information to permeate my being. I see the need for worrying progressively slipping away.

Are you ready to break the grip of worrying?