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Today, I would like to give you a few suggestions on how to overcome worry.

Philippians 4:6-8 says:

In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (ASV)

Now, there are several things here that speak directly to how not to worry.

First of all, you need to make up your mind not to worry. Verse six says, “in nothing, be anxious.” Sometimes, you just have to give yourself a good talkin’ to. You can take yourself to the corner and talk yourself out of worrying.

“Now, Tamera, I know that this situation looks a little overwhelming, but the Word says that you can to all things (Phil. 4:13). The Word says that God never gives you more than you can handle (I Cor. 10:13). The Word says that you have an unction from the Holy One and you know all things (I John 2:20). Now, you just get yourself out there, hold your head up, throw your shoulders back, and walk through this and believe that everything is going to work out! The Word says that you can’t add an inch to your height by worrying (Matt. 6:27), so just get over your sweet self, get on with your life and stop worrying!”

Having regular prayer and quiet time will also help you with a propensity toward worry. “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Prayer changes your heart. Prayer helps your mind to line up with what is already true in your spirit. Prayer is awesome!

Thanksgiving is another key. When you find yourself worrying, start listing everything you can think of that you have to be thankful for. Jude 20 says that you can “build yourself up in your most holy faith.” You can build yourself up. Start rehearsing what God has done for you in your life. You find examples of this all throughout the Old Testament where men and women of God listed all the mighty things He had done on behalf of Israel.

Listen to a teaching tape or some praise music. Learn more about how great God is by listening to teaching from a teacher. Listen to the Word on tape and plant the Word of God directly into your heart. Listen to music inspired by God.

Get outside yourself and do something for someone else. Go out of your way to minister to someone. Visit a shut-in. Make a memory with your children. Send a card or letter to an old friend…you know, an old fashioned handwritten card or letter.

If you are living a life consumed with worry, you have to start fighting for your life. You cannot be effective if you are immersed in worry.

Hebrews 4:11 says:

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV)

Now, that may seem like an oxymoron. I need to labor to enter into rest? But this is what I’ve been talking about here. Often, you must put forth effort to stop worry.

Finally, remember that you do not have grace for tomorrow; you only have grace for today.

Remember the manna in the desert? The Israelites could only gather enough manna for the day. If they tried to gather enough for two days, it would spoil. Matthew 6:34 in The New Living Translation says:

So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

You will always have questions that you don’t have answers to. When you have those questions, you have two choices. You can worry or you can trust God. When you decide to trust God, you open yourself up to His miracle working power.

Which choice will you make the next time you are tempted to worry?

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