BREAK THE WORRYING CYCLE

As night fades, it's a new dawn to be thankful to God for life; and for another day He has allowed us to see. And yet many people wake up feeling worse than they went to bed! If this sounds like you, keeping reading...

Do you know that having an exhausted mind can creep into you physical life? This is true if the last thing you do before bed is "meditating" upon your troubles and challenges. People who do this often wake up feeling tired like they've been doing manual labor in the corn fields. They wake up worried and anxious; starting off where they stopped before falling asleep. 

To some people, this is a way of life. One wakes up and unknowingly begins gathering worrisome thoughts. Sadly this is common to many people; even those professing faith in the Christ!

How do I know? 

I was one of those people! Not once; not twice! Worrying had become part of my morning routine! Picture this: an ugly poisonous bug resting on the nightstand while you sleep. And immediately your alarm goes off, it also wakes up and clings onto you transmitting fear; worry; anxiety and every negative feeling you can imagine! 

Recollecting my memory; this started years ago when I was in a unhealthy relationship (young love!). Well, I left that relationship but sadly, these negative feelings had unconsciously become part of me.

Almost every morning, my mind would anxiously race searching for something to worry about. And yes; I would find a couple! And just like that; I'd managed to ruin a beautiful morning (and day ahead) because of my unrooted anxiety.  I was constantly waking up sad; with a heavy heart and I hated it! I knew this is not how God wanted me to live.

I'm pleased to say I'm not that person anymore.  God is working in me and through me sanctifying me into the person He wants me to be. 

This is how the journey started for me.

One of those mornings I stopped and asked myself why I was anxious and what was really worrying me at that particular time! I searched my mind for that particular thing I was worried about! 

I went through the list of that which man considers important. I was alive and in good health; and so was everyone in my family. All bills were paid; we had plenty of food to eat; we had more than enough clothes, we had cars. Everything was just fine! I realized there was nothing to be worried about at that moment! In fact I had so much to be grateful for! 

That was the moment I knew I had to consciously work on changing my thought process as in renewing my mind by the help of the holy spirit and through scriptures.

In the process I realized that sometimes, our reasons for worrying are valid to us; and even to an outsider. The pressures of the world around us drive us into a constant state of mental unrest. Mortgages/rent, jobs, tuition, relationships, bills and so on; are some of the day to day constant stressors.

But what does the word of God tell us in such situations?

1. Be anxious of nothing

2. Pray about everything 

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing. But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I like the phrase "...but in everything...". This is an indication that through prayer we can invite God into all aspects of our lives; including our thoughts. Prayer is a panacea for all situations we may find ourselves in. Yes, even those worrisome and anxious thoughts! 

First:

In your prayers, cast all your cares and worries to God. This calls for total surrender. Pray for the blood of Jesus to cleanse your mind and to rid you of all those negative thoughts and feelings. Ask the Lord for the Holy spirit to come and dwell within you. It is the Spirit of God which will guard and guide you in every step of the way. Where the Spirit is; there is freedom and of course peace Galatians 5:22-25

Then:

Choose to replace worry with thanksgiving. Instead of focusing on what is wrong or what can go wrong; reflect on all the good things God has done for you; and thank Him. Worry blinds us from seeing what the Lord has done for us. It is also a sign of distrust. It's like you are telling God; I don't trust you enough to to take care of this situation. But being grateful to God on the other hand; even in hard times grows our faith and endurance. Gratitude will also help you cultivate a positive attitude. 

In our Lord's teaching He asked "which of you by worrying can add a cubit to his stature" (Matthew 6:27). We all know worrying neither takes us far nor brings any solutions.  But when we commit our cares to the Lord, it brings peace. I'm yet to find anyone who does not want peace!

My friends, we have to know that the devil is after our minds first and foremost. When he gets ahold of your mind, he can control you whichever way he desires. When you worry and fear; you are creating a loop hole for the devil to come in and take over!

Thank God He has given us a weapon against all these fiery dats of the enemy; His Word! It is written "the Word of God is alive and powerful" Hebrews 4:12

Here are some scriptures to equipe yourself 

Psalms 55:22 Cast your burdens on the Lord and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. 

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than the clothing?

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. 

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

It is a continuous journey which you have to take one day at a time. There will come times when you feel you can't help it but worry! In those moments, continue to encourage yourself with scriptures. Remember; you do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Whenever you are afraid, trust in God (Psalms 56:3). 

Whatever it is; that which is worrying you to death; that which is keeping you awake at night, big or small; give it to the Lord (total surrender). Be reminded that He is your present help in times of trouble. 

Peace be with you friends!

Rita