How to Let Go of Worry

Originally published Monday, 15 September 2014.

       www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org

I pray that this post really penetrates your heart and mind, as you move forward in finding freedom over this issue in your life. Because that’s exactly what it is…an issue. I know sometimes we don’t want to believe or accept that we have issues in our lives, but the truth is that we do. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” They stem from the heart. And God wants to deliver us from each one, including the issue of worry. I’ll talk more about this and so many others in my debut book that’s coming in the near future…God willing. But for now, let’s talk about how to let go of worry.

Again, worry stems from the heart, but it weighs heavy in your spirit and overtakes the mind. It steals your joy and if not captured by the Word of God, it can literally ruin your whole day. My advice is, “Don’t let it ruin your life.”

I’ve learned to take my thoughts captive with the Word when I’m bombarded with worry, fear, doubt, or negative thoughts. And I want to teach you or remind you about this vital principle as well. You don’t have to let it overtake you. You have life-changing power through the Scriptures to shut your worry or negative thoughts down instantly. This upcoming verse is one that I’ve found to be really helpful when conquering issues such as these. It’s 2 Corinthians 10:5 which says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”   

This Scripture is so powerful because for starters it’s got Christ in this verse, and the enemy has to flee when we call on the name of Jesus. But that’s not all, it’s talking about casting down imaginations. That’s what worry is…a figure of your imagination. It’s not real and it’s not factual! So bring those thoughts captive. Arrest them with the knowledge of God’s Word. Renew your mind with what His Word says over what the enemy is saying.

You have to memorize Scripture sis. Because that is a vital weapon used against the adversary and against your own thoughts. If not captured, your thoughts could eventually turn into actions. Remember, in the book of Job, it was what he feared most that came upon him. Job 3:25 says, “What I always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come to be.” (NLT) We have to watch our fears. It’s another one of those issues that stems from the heart. It’s like its worry’s counterpart. And it can weigh heavily in the mind as well.

But when fear comes in, we have to speak the Word and arrest it with 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and of a sound mind.” Do you see that? A sound mind, which is peace, level-headedness, and self-discipline. And here’s another one to memorize, speak and believe, “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

Also when worry comes in to ensnare you, speak the Word from Isaiah 26:3 which says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (NLT) And when you get anxious about something, speak the Word from Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ.” (NLT)

When we use the Word as our weapon, we can experience God’s peace. And there is nothing like it. It’s that stillness in your spirit that is indescribable. It truly surpasses all understanding. I’ve been there when He’s just granted it to me. And I’ve been there when I had to cry out for it. Sometimes when you find yourself worrying, after you’ve prayed and spoken the Scriptures, the next practical thing to do is move on. Start doing something else. The key is getting your mind off of it and letting it go.

Worry is not of God, sis. There’s so much that we could worry about like the unknown, the uncertain, what will or could happen. We worry about our kids, husband, family, friends, jobs, God’s plan, our safety, the things we need, the list could literally go on and on. But the truth is that when we worry, we actually show God that we don’t trust Him. And that’s a lack of faith. And His Word tells us in Romans 14:23 “…and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (NIV) We have absolutely no control over the future, or even today. We have to live like we know that God is ultimately in control, because He is.  And this is trust in action.

Knowing this, has really helped me when “worry” or fear has tried to invade my mind. I know that I’m not in control. And if the thoughts really try to overpower me, the Holy Spirit reminds me to speak His Word over the situation and allow God to fill me with His peace. *It has a lot to do with letting go and trusting Him. I also have to remind myself that if something does actually happen, that I know God is with me. I sometimes say to myself, “If God allows it, then it must mean that I can handle it, and we can get through this together.” Granted, it may not be easy what He allows to actually take place in our lives, but I know that no matter what happens He has a plan for it and that He’ll be with us in the midst of it all.

With that being said, it’s time to let go of worry…today. Now you know how.

Remember that Jesus is coming soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out.

*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!

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