There are lot of situations that can cause us to worry right now. 

Pandemic. Sinking economy. Volatile election year. In fact, if you and I didn’t know God we might be a wreck by now. 

But since we know the God who can do above and beyond all that we can imagine, why do we lose sleep at night or waste a day worrying?

We worry, not because of our circumstances, but because of who we are – people who don’t fully understand who God is. After all, if we truly believe He can provide for our eternal life – through what Jesus did for us on the cross – why don’t we believe He can take care of our everyday life, as well? 

In Philippians 4:6-7 we are told, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (NLT). Are you ready to lighten up and experience God’s peace in place of your panic?  If so, here are four worries you can get rid of now:

1. Stop worrying that the worst will happen. 

Ephesians 3:20 tells us God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (NIV). So, if God is capable of beyond the best, why do we often worry about the very worst? Scripture says “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).  That means anticipating the best from God, not expecting the worst. 

When you and I truly trust God and His character, we will believe He is good, He is loving, and He is so much wiser than we are. Then, when He allows something we don’t understand, we can rest, knowing He is able to work all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), rather than worry that He got it wrong.

2. Stop worrying about your health – or someone else’s. 

If you know the Great Physician, you never need to worry that you suffer with a condition that no doctor understands or can treat. Nothing takes God by surprise, and that includes whatever ails your body. No condition is outside of God’s league. And you can take comfort knowing nothing touches you that hasn’t first passed through His loving hands. 

Just because a health condition of yours hasn’t gone away doesn’t mean God isn’t aware of it. Just because doctors are stumped about your diagnosis doesn’t mean God is in the dark about it. Just because this virus persists, doesn’t mean God’s not in control. Trust Him that, according to Psalm 139,  He knows every detail of what is going on in your body – and in the bodies of those you love – and He can handle it.

3. Stop worrying that you’ll be wiped out financially. 

I know many people who are worried sick about the economy right now – or where it’s headed in a year or two after the shutdowns and stimulus checks, and tax hikes, and after-effects of COVID-19. But we don’t need to panic when the stock market takes a downturn, when the real estate market plunges, when a layoff occurs, or when the unexpected leaves you suddenly in debt. If you are investing in eternal things, you never have to worry that you will be robbed, ripped off, or wiped out financially (Matthew 6:20). God can take great care of all that you give to Him.

The Proverbs are full of guidelines in how to invest wisely, handle our money appropriately, and protect ourselves when it comes to “get-rich-quick” schemes or unwise financial partnerships. Be a student of God’s Word, obey Him, and stop worrying that “chance” or “the odds” or “the market” will ruin you. What kind of God do you have if His hands are tied to external circumstances that bother those who don’t know Him?  And what kind of Father would treat you like an orphan when you hit financial troubles? Trust Him with all that you have or don’t have.

4. Stop worrying that God can’t handle it. 

We worry when we feel God has checked out, or is incapable of handling what concerns us. Yet, Proverbs 16:3 advises: “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.” That means once we commit it to God, we can trust the results with Him, rather than fearing we will be short-changed, cheated, or destined for failure. 

God’s Word promises not only that your plans will succeed when they are committed to Him, but that God is incapable of making a mistake. Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” That means He is perfectly capable of handling all that concerns you and He makes no mistakes.

What worries will you get rid of today, by trusting that God is still on the throne of this world and the throne of your heart? I’d love to hear it in the comment section below.

To help you trust God and worry less, see my books, Letting God Meet Your Emotional Needs and When Women Walk Alone available now in my website store.