“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Worry: allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles.

I come from a long line of worriers. How about you? Is it your natural tendency to automatically worry?

As I have shared this week, I recently began a new trial and God is teaching me how to deal with worry. On this Worry-Free Wednesday I want to share some of God’s messages to me.

First of all, God directed me to put in place visual reminders to not worry. On the day this season began, my natural instinct of worry kicked in. I began going over all the “what if” scenarios in my head. I cried out to God for guidance and direction and as only He can, peace came in unexpected ways. As I scrolled through Facebook I landed on the Lysa Terkeurst post featured in today’s picture. Immediately God nudged me to start an album in the photos on my phone. I titled the album “worry” and as I run across encouragement for times of worry, I place it in the album. When I feel worry creeping back in I turn to the “worry” photo album for immediate solace.

Secondly, God reminded me of something I read years ago about turning our worries into prayers. I immediately began rephrasing the “what if” scenarios into prayers.

Lastly, I relied on the daily spiritual disciplines God has led me to put in place. I continued my morning routines of rising early to read devotions, pray, and write in my gratitude journal. Spending time with God and intentionally looking for things I am thankful for, even in the storm, has allowed me to change my focus from worry to praise. This practice has helped mold my attitude and outlook.

Although I am genetically dispositioned to worry, my Heavenly Father is teaching me how to truly be worry free. Our God is bigger than any troubles we face. After all, He has overcome the world!

“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬