by Kim Avery

Worry – it’s pointless, and it’s pervasive. While we all know that endlessly mulling, worrying, and churning things over again and again in our minds doesn’t solve a thing, we all do it.

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
And why do you worry about clothes?
See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor
was dressed like one of these.
Matthew 6:27-29

Step One - Recognize

Last Wednesday we discovered that the first step in God’s Worry Cure is ‘Recognize.’ God’s solution for our chronic worry all begins with recognition. Recognizing through prayer that God is bigger than any problem we will ever have and recognizing and naming our specific need as we give that worry over to God.

But there may still be more to do. Life often brings with it very real trials and problems and many times God not only tells us to bring our concerns to Him but also to obey and respond as He requires.

Step Two – Respond

“According to the Bible, there is nothing wrong with realistically acknowledging and trying to deal with the identifiable problems of life. To ignore danger is foolish and wrong. But it is also wrong, as well as unhealthy, to be immobilized by excessive worry. Such worry must be committed to prayer to God, who can release us from paralyzing fear or anxiety, and free us to deal realistically with the needs and welfare both of ourselves and others.” (Dr. Gary Collins, Christian Counseling)

Thus, after recognizing our need, we are to ask God what He would have us do. He will tell you.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to him.
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt,
because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea,
blown and tossed by the wind.
That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
James 1:5-8

At times, God may assure you that the situation is fully in His hands, and you are just to wait in faith on Him. At other times, God may call you and equip you to respond as He requires.

Either way, the results up to Him.

You can choose to take this Wednesday and enjoy it entirely worry free. Through prayer, recognize your need and then respond as God directs.

Join us in this process by following the steps below.

Search your heart and identify each specific need.

Write that need in the comment box below (with as little or much detail as you would like.)

Pray thanking God that He is able to provide all you need. Also take a minute to pray for the request entered right above yours.

Ask God what, if anything, He wants you to do today about this situation? Follow through in obedience knowing the results are up to Him.

Click the submit button knowing that your worry has been entrusted to the Lord, and He will respond to it in the wisest, most loving way.

Walk away and enjoy a worry free day. God’s got you covered.