Finding Peace in a World of Worry

A recent survey revealed that, on average, Americans spend two hours and 18 minutes a day caught in the grip of worrisome thoughts.

While the problem of worry is nothing new, it does seem that anxiety is creeping into everyday life as the norm, with a persistence not seen in recent generations.

In fact, the survey indicated that “62% of Gen Z and millennial respondents report feeling constantly anxious, compared to 38% of older generations.”

What are people worrying about? Specifically, the survey says:

• 53% of respondents cite money as their primary source of anxiety.
• 42% worry about their loved ones.
• 42% fret about pending tasks and to-do lists.
• 37% have health concerns
• 22% have sleep anxiety
• 19% are concerned about political uncertainties

The human tendency to worry is as old as humankind and is not ignored in the Bible. In fact, Jesus directly addressed the issue in His Sermon on the Mount. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear” (Matthew 6:25).

In this section, Jesus speaks to His followers. If our Heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field, will He not provide for you? Created in His image, are you not more valuable? Furthermore, Jesus said worrying won’t add any height to your stature. Or, as some versions render this expression, worrying won’t add a single hour to your life (Matt. 6:25-34)

So, how do we control worrisome thoughts and feelings?

#1 Pray when you’re perplexed.

When anxiety fills your mind, turn those nagging thoughts into petitions. Paul advised, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” As a result, you will experience peace and receive power that will guide your mind and guard your heart (Phil. 4:6-7).

#2 Replace Anxious Thoughts with Divine Thoughts.

In other words, get into the Word. Open your Bible. Read the Psalms. Google passages that offer scriptural advice to combat worry. Here are a few suggestions from a post on Overcoming Anxiety through Biblical Principles.

An anonymous author offered this insight. “Worry grows where faith is starved. Immersing yourself in Scripture renews your mind and strengthens your trust.”

#3 Focus on Today.

Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34).

How often do we worry about unseen issues and imagine problems that never occur? In 2006, Dr. Walter Calvert did a study of the things we worry about. He discovered that 40% of the things we worry about never happen. He further offered this insight:

• 30% of our worries concern the past
• 12% are needless worries about our health
• 10% are insignificant or petty
• 8% are legitimate issues

Additionally, as Corrie ten Boom opined, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”

#4 Seek First God’s Kingdom.

Worry may reveal that our priorities are misplaced. Are we overly concerned about issues that are beyond our control, or those that are not meant to bring peace? Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

When your priority is the Kingdom and spiritual matters, your worries will soon subside to a lesser concern.

#5 Grow Your Faith.

Worry grows where faith is weak. In fact, worry often results from fear–fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of loss. I like the saying, “Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And no one was there.”

LeRoy Brownlow once observed there are 365 “fear nots” in the Bible. One for every day of the year. God assures us, “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you” (Isa. 41:10).

While applying these principles will get you on the right track, it’s worth noting that worry is exacerbated in periods of inactivity. So here are “20 Activities to Replace Worry.” You’re welcome!

Finally, as D.L. Moody once quipped, “Worry is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman