What if I told you that breaking the worry habit is easier than you think?
Last week I gave you the ABCs to start your journey of being worry-free:
- Admit you and I are not in control.
- Believe God only wants the best for you
- Commit yourself to a deeper knowledge of God.
This week I have the next few letters of the alphabet to help you apply Philippians 4:6 to your life and not worry about anything, but instead pray about everything.
- Depend on God to do what you can’t. Worry says “I must handle this myself.” But trust says “God, only You can truly work this through.”Leave it in His hands and watch the worry and stress fade away.
- Expect Him to come through for you. Philippians 4:6 instructs us to not worry about anything, but instead pray about everything, thanking God for all He has done. That tells me we should be thanking God ahead of time for all we are trusting Him to do on our behalf. That is faith…the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
- Focus on the truth, not the “what-ifs.” The truth is “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, NASB). The truth is He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). The what-ifs are the scenarios our mind conjures up when we forget the truth of Who God is and what He is capable of.
This week I am depending on God to do through me what is beyond me. I am expecting Him to come through in the amazing way that Only He can. And I am focusing on the truth of WHO He is and WHAT He can do, rather than the what if scenario as if there were no God in control.
What are you depending on God to do, in particular, this week, this month, or this year? Let me know in the comment section below so I can join you in praying and trusting, rather than worrying.
January 12, 2016
65 Comments
on It’s Easier Than You Think to Break the Worry Habit.
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My dear thanks for your insight in the Word of God..: we need prayer in an area of our life, my husband is in the proses of retirement. We trusted God for miracles and favor in his job as a medical doctor,his health is not what it should be have liver sciroses and it came from his fathers family side. That Gods greace be on him. He is Mighty to heal and we Experians a lot of stress. We know God is faithful to complete everything for us. Pray for me have problem with trust that was broken. Thanks so much and blessings.
Thank you for sharing your heart, Cornelia. Your husband’s health and your complete reliance on God and your ability to trust Him through anything is my prayer today. May you be strengthened by the peace that comes from worrying about nothing, but praying about everything.
Hi Cindi, you may remember me. It has been bout a year since I asked you to pray for me. Unfaithfulness in my marriage on my husband’s part. Just going through a divorce process now. Please pray for the process to go quickly and smoothly . I just want what is fair and he isn’t being very fair. I pray one day he reconciles with the Lord ! And the woman he is with finds Jesus ! I’m trusting God with His favor and provision in my life. This is exactly what I needed to read again . Thank you so much for your ministry ! !! I pray God continues to bless you in all ways! God bless you sister !!! Love you ! !
Cesilia ☺
Cedilla, praying for your peace and direction during this difficult time and that God will execute justice in your situation.
Hi Cindi,
That my focus will be on God to improve my faith, trust, in him. I pray for myself and husband that I have choose his religion. And have God in our lives first. Thank you for the e-mail helps me alot. Will pray for you also . God bless you Cindi.
Elia: Thank you for your comments. [Lord Jesus, please make Yourself known to Elia in a personal way so that she understands and lives a relationship of faith, trust, and dependence on You. Bring people into her life to help her understand Your Word and Your promises to those who are trusting in You alone for their salvation. Begin a work in her that You will complete for your glory. Amen.]
Hello Cindy. I really needed to read that. My husband took a job in Maryland 2 months ago. Please pray me and our young sons relocation in June be ordered by God. That we are able to sell our home in Georgia to have money to buy one in MD. Thank u n God bless u n your ministry
Alexandra: Thank you for sharing what’s on your heart. I’m happy to pray for God’s leading in that area. [Lord, thank You for providing this job for Alexandra’s husband. And thank You that You will not lead this family where Your grace cannot sustain them. Please go before them into this move, causing everything to work together at the perfect time for them to sell their house, make a move, and settle into a new home in Maryland. Protect Alexandra and her sons while they are away from her husband and draw them closer to You and closer together through this experience while they are physically apart.]
I am in the process of doing the 21 day financial fast. Our family really needs help in the financial department. But my husband (I love him) well we are not on the same page right now. He is not following God right now and it is a struggle for me in that area and this fast. But I know God is bigger than this temporary situation (that seems to be taking forever, my impatience) 🙂
Thanks for letting me vent and prayers greatly appreciated.
And for praise just because I don’t think I should just vent about the not so goods. As of this past Sunday all our children (4) have been baptized. The youngest (10 yo girl) just did this Sunday. So God is great!! Through everything
Mary Ann
Mary Ann: Thank you for sharing your prayer request AND your praise. [Lord, please provide all that Mary Ann needs right now to fully depend on You and to get through this fast. Bring her husband’s heart and mind into alignment with Yours so that she and her husband will both see things as YOU desire. Thank You, God, that You are the God of reconciliation, unity, and like mindedness. Thank You for showing Mary Ann that You are, indeed, bigger than this situation that seems to loom over her. Finally, Lord, I ask that You make this couple’s joy complete by making them “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose (Philippians 2:2).”]
Hi Cindi, I’m Loreen Kirk, I have made a mess of things and i was checking my emails and saw your abc’s of worry about nothing and pray about everything. Thank you so much for the information i already know God can do it and i have let this sickness move into my life to cause my flesh to weaken and begin to do things my own way or try to fix it and i feel I’ve juggled bills after bills til I’ve begged and borrowed until i am drowning in a pool of frustration of discouragemnt of everything i know that is not of God. You opened my eyes to see how deep I have gotten and ran into a dead end now the worrying starts I’ve ran out of idea’. That sounds really crazy. I need a supernatural right today miracle. I know God is my answer and he is my only way out. I have gotten off track and need guidance and your prayers to help me get back focused.
Loreen: Thank you for your honesty. All of us, at one time or another, make a mess of things. That is why we need Jesus through and through. [Lord, You are intimately acquainted with all of Loreen’s ways (Psalm 139:1-6). See her heart, her repentance, her desire to live uprightly and honestly, and hear her cry for deliverance. You, God — only You — can deliver her from this pit so please do it lovingly, compassionately and in the way that will convince her of Your love, wisdom and protection. Thank You that You don’t leave us to our own devices when we’ve messed up but You tell us to call upon You and You will save. As David sang in Psalm 40, he waited patiently for the Lord, and You turned to him and heard his cry. Please do the same for Loreen and lift her out of the mud and mire and set her feet on a rock and give her a firm place to stand. Finally, put a new song in her mouth that many will see (and hear her story) and put their trust in You (Psalm 40:1-3).]
I’m having to put this into practice in a big way, even though it’s hard. l am keeping my mind stayed on God and fighting hard not to worry or fear the unknown (the medical side of it…mainly the needles. lol) After the initial shock of receiving the news of changes in brain tumor activity had set in and I was able to regain my bearings, I am praising God through it. The worry has faded and I know He will be glorified through it. Peace has filled that place and now…I wait, depending on and trusting Him with all that I have. Thank you for your words of comfort.
Love you.
Sweet Alena: The pink sticky note saying “Pray for Alena — complete healing and restoration” is still on my desk as you are still in my heart. God continues to receive glory from your life every time you open your mouth….because praise is constantly flowing from it. Should I ever be diagnosed with any kind of terminal illness, cancer, tumor, whatever it is, YOU are the one I will call on, after Jesus. You have inspired me and shown me it is possible to praise Him in the pain and continue to glorify Him even though we don’t understand why. I love you, too, my sister. (Lord, calm Alena’s anxious thoughts — about her health, about her children, about “how long?” and “how much more pain?” Be her Immovable Rock of Refuge and give her joy as she continues to live her life in the palm of Your loving hand.)
I am struggling with choices that I have made in the past, difficulty forgiving myself, and trust that was broken in a recent relationship. I am praying to God for his guidance. Need so desperately to to stop worrying about the past and future.
Precious Chelsea, my prayer for you is that God will convince you that He has removed your transgressions as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12) and that He no longer remembers your sins, even though you do. My book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts, would be really helpful for you right now as I give you 10 Steps to Healing and Wholeness, including how to forgive yourself and trust that what Christ did on the cross for you was absolutely ENOUGH. (Lord, make Your forgiveness and healing power known to Chelsea in a very real way and create in her a pure heart (Psalm 51:10) and live Your life through her so that she is so convinced that it is no longer she who lives, but Christ who lives in her (Galatians 2:20).
I am asking God for a complete healing physically and to guide me toward helping others in other countries.
Lord, please give Wanda that complete physical healing and restoration that she is seeking, or show her that YOU are enough and You will do through her what is physically beyond her right now. She desires to help others around the world so please bless that desire and give her the health and the means to do that for YOUR glory. Amen.
Hi! I will TrusT GOD with our children and our grandchild. I will TrusT GOD with my medications and my doctors. I will TrusT GOD with today, let go of yesterday, and believe in a new tomorrow. In Jesus name. Amen+Amen.
Mimi: What a wonderful prayer….trusting God as you let go of yesterday and believe in a new tomorrow. I wish I had written that myself. Thank you for those wise words. (Lord, bless Mimi for trusting in You with all that concerns her. Thank You that You have her life — and her loved ones — in Your trustworthy, capable hands.)
Cindi,
Thank you for sharing this message today. I have been praying for a job that will fit with me while I am helping my ill sister that has stage 4 cancer, and I feel blessed to beable to be there for her. I have total faith in our Lord, and know his timing is perfect. I feel I don’t worry, but feel disappointed when I feel I applied to the perfect job that would work and then not receive a call. So I know prayers are heard.
Paula: Thank you for your honesty. It’s disappointing when God says “no” to something we believed was perfect for us. I’ve come to trust that when He does that He is protecting us from something we might not ever see, or He’s waiting for something even better for us. (In your case, He just might be allowing you to spend this remaining time with your sister before she passes.) His reasons are so precious and I know you will one day look back and thank Him for this time…you sound like you are doing that already. 🙂 I’m glad you still have faith in the power of prayer and that You are trusting that His timing is perfect. I know He will reward you for that. Please keep in touch, because I want to hear what He eventually does in your life with the job. (Lord, please provide Paula with the perfect job for her at just the right time and calm her heart as she anxiously awaits Your best for her. And in the meantime, please provide for her, financially, as she does what she can to be there for her sister.)
My mothers health has deteriated over the past 5 yrs. I was her caregiver and now she must be in a home. Since this huge transition she has blocked me from knowing her status and I have grieved the close relationship we once had. I try to visit and call her, but she has become argumentative and mean. Her move to a home was her own decision, but my brother has Power of Attorney and now runs everything. Mom thinks he is the cats meow. He never changed a dirty diaper or helped clean her up, but it seems I am the bad one. I am trusting God to turn this around for good. I miss the mom she was years ago. How do I move on?
Jane, I am so sorry for the hurt and broken relationship you are grieving right now. That is so difficult. And my heart hurts with you right now. In my book, >Women on the Edge, I told a story about a woman who had to care for her aging mother with Alzheimers and though they never had a good relationship to begin with, God healed their relationship THROUGH the disease and changed that woman by giving her a new dependence on God. Although it appears to be the opposite case in what you are dealing with, I believe God can still work in and through it. (Lord, please heal and restore this relationship so You can be glorified through forgiveness and unconditional love. Strengthen Jane and draw her closer to You through this pain. Comfort her with the reminder that YOUR love for her will never lessen.)
I want God to give me a job as I’m job hunting.I also want God to give me inner peace
Lord, please provide Marcia with Your choice of a job for her that will not only help her financially but grow her dependence on You. Grant her that peace that passes understanding so she can live with the assurance that You are in control, regardless of how the situation looks.
Please pray for me It seems I am always fighting to be normal. I am 51 , alone. I just need a deeper walk with Jesus. I am sincere God needs to do something . I am having neck problems i might need surgery ijust want to work as a nurse again. Debt free help others. I have a broken heart.
Julie: I’m sorry your heart is broken. But I’m encouraged by your sweet, sincere words “I just need a deeper walk with Jesus.” I’m so glad you have discovered that is the only road to true joy. [Lord, give Julie more of Yourself. Take her deeper into the relationship with You as she learns to see You as her spiritual husband (Isaiah 54:5) and the Only One who can meet all her emotional needs. Lord, see her desire to be debt-free so she can help others and bring her to a place where she can serve You and experience the joy that accompanies that. Above all, remove her expectations and fill her with Your desires for her (Psalm 37:4).]
Today has been a major mommy melt down for me – my body is exhausted and my spirit is just broken. I have so much going on in my family and it is all getting to me – thanks for sharing this I really needed it today.
I”m sorry it was a tough day, Lara, but I’m glad you took the time to share. God knows about those mommy meltdowns and He can get you through them and usher peace into your life as you surrender it all to Him and admit you need His strength. [Lord, calm and comfort Lara’s heart with the assurance that You have gone before her into all of her tomorrows and You can get her through whatever comes her way today.]
Cindi, Thank you so much for this in my email today! This morning during my morning prayer time I was overcome with sadness and thought about re-reading my copy of “Women Who Walk Alone”–it is dog-eared and dear to me!
I am struggling with understanding God’s will for me right now in my career life. I completed a very technical fellowship last year and did not get a position that used the thesis or research I worked on, and I just found out my next job is different too. I am struggling to not be resentful and ego-ful and instead see how it fits into God’s plan. Thank you for all your ministry.
Hi Laura: Thank you for sharing that disappointment. I know it’s difficult when we do all we believe we’re supposed to and then things happen that take us a different route. But I am often comforted knowing nothing takes God by surprise and He makes no mistakes. All His ways are perfect (Deut. 32:4). [Lord, encourage Laura’s heart that as she trusts in You and doesn’t lean on her own understanding, but acknowledges You in all her ways, You will direct her paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
I am a mother of 3. My middle child has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD. My marriage, family and self-worth have suffered through this experience. I have not been able to lay this, and the other issues that come with it, at Gods feet. I need to learn how to give up control…of everything. Lord bless me with that trust.
Lord Jesus, please hear Christine’s prayer and give her the ability to surrender it all to you and find Your peace in return. Thank You that her child’s diagnosis is in Your hands and You will shape this child, this mom, and this marriage into Your likeness as this family leans in closer to You and relies on You for strength. Amen.
Thank you Cindi for your prayers I know God is answering prayers of his children. I believe and l agree with your prayer you prayered for me and l decree and declare that it is done in Jesus Name. I got a text from my boss to work 4 days this weekend so I am praising God for the work.
Thanks Cindi, just reading this article about 30mins after my blood preasure just been checked and they to me its high. I dwell most on those bible verses sited above and give all my worries to the Lord. Thanks.
I need help dropping past issues and letting it go. I know I am the only one suffering over the situation, the wrong that was done to me. I know God is in control yet I still can’t get past the stigma of divorce and move on. I suffer with PTSD and relive too much of the past, and dwell on it too long. I need to let go, drop it, and walk away, for good.
Hi Bernice: Thanks for letting me know where you feel stuck and tend to worry. My book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts, would be very helpful for you right now since it walks you through “Ten Steps to Healing and Wholeness” and helps you drop the past, move on, and discover how you can filter that pain into your purpose. If you haven’t read that one yet, that would be a great place to start in getting past the pain and moving forward. In the meantime, let me pray for you. [Lord, thank You that You have seen Bernice’s entire story and You know all about the hurts she still holds onto. Gently nudge her, daily, to release them to You and remind her that when she is trusting in Christ Jesus she is a NEW creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and You have taken away her past and given her a new identity in Jesus and a new life ahead of her (2 Corinthians 5:17).]
Hi Cindi, I have been so worried this last year. I prayed that I would put my trust in the Lord and stop worrying. I appreciate your email letter and I have bought all of your books. Can’t wait for the new one! Could you and other Sisters in Christ pray that I can stop worrying and trust God more? Thank you so much!
Beatrice: Thank you so much for being such a big fan of my writing. I’m glad it has encouraged you. [Lord, see Beatrice’s heart to trust you more and more with the everyday details of her life. Help her to start, right now, worrying about nothing and praying about everything so she can experience the peace that accompanies her soul as she leaves all her concerns in Your capable hands (Philippians 4:6-7).]
Please continue to pray that our son will be able to greatly reduce his alcoholic intake.
Mae, thank you for sharing that concern. That is a difficult situation — and a concern — for any mom, I’m sure. [Lord Jesus, You have searched Mae’s son and You know his heart. Show him that you are the Answer and how easy it is to come to you with his burdens, rather than seeking to drown them in drink. Deliver him from the path toward addiction and convict his heart to rely on You first. And please comfort Mae’s heart with the fact that You are stronger than the situation and You will keep her in perfect peace throughout this ordeal. Eliminate her worry altogether so she can experience the peace of knowing You are in control.]
Thank you so much Cindy.please keep praying for our son.His friend brought him to a gospel meeting on Monday ngt.He says he will attend another ngt.God Bless.Mae.
Hi Cindi,
I am dealing with some issues this week. I would like to thank you for your insight and the ability to put into perspective the things of God. I have been asking God for his peace and to take my burden of fear and anxiety. If you have the time please pray for me to deal with my issues.
God bless…. Cindy from down under!
Cindy, thank you for taking the time to respond. And for that, I will take the time right now to pray for you to be strengthened with God’s presence and the assurance that He can handle all things. [Lord God, thank You that Cindy truly desires to be obedient to You when it comes to pushing worry and anxiety aside and trusting in Your ability to care for all that concerns her. You know her issues and yet You are the One who redeems and restores and makes us new. Clear out of her life those defenses and wounds that cause her to be anxious and try to control situations herself and give her a new freedom that comes from resting in YOUR control and Your care. Amen.]
Good day ..I went to the doctor yesterday and I found that my high blood pressure is high and I am still young for I am 25 years of age married. They took the blood for tsa to check what causes it. Please pray for me and nd may our good God strengthen my trust.
Yes, I will be in prayer for you, Roselyn. You are in Hus loving, capable hands.
I can totally relate with you.. I give up matters to the Lord and I go back to pick them up… and I truly want to be free of baggages…
Hi Cindi
I stumbled across your page on Facebook. Thank you for your encouraging words on totally trusting in the Lord. I’m having quite a bit of trouble doing just that. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. My husband and best friend held my hand through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. As soon as I finished treatment, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. For the past year, I nursed him through surgery and chemo, and so much pain, suffering and worry. I tried so hard to trust completely that God would heal him. I lost him two months ago. He was ready, and looking forward to it. Everyday he would say, “One day closer to Jesus.” My heart is shattered, and I’m left wondering if my faith wasn’t strong enough. I’m having a tough time with trust and faith. Where do I start?
Cheryl: Thanks for sharing your real-life struggle. I don’t think your husband’s death was a matter of your faith not being strong enough. That would imply that we have the power to save people if we just have stronger faith. Life and death is always in God’s hands, not ours. Isaiah 55:8-11 tells us God’s ways are higher than ours and that is where we trust Him, above our own reasoning. We can trust Him once we get to know Him…really know Him. I would suggest you study through the characteristics of God’s. I make that easy in my book When God Pursues a Woman’s Heart, which is based on a names of God study that I wrote and taught to women on the characteristics of God’s that resonate with our hearts. Many women have read that book and fallen in love with Jesus all over again as their knowledge of His character increased. Once we really get to know Him, we can’t help but love Him and trust Him.
I pray to GOD that he will guide me out of an unloving relationship and help my fear of being alone at age 54.
Tracey, it is better to be alone and experiencing the comfort of God’s presence and love, than to be in a relationship in which you feel unloved. Too many women I know would rather be in an unhealthy relationship than have no relationship at all. I hope you will draw strength from my books Letting God Meet Your Emotional Needs and When Women Walk Alone. They would really be helpful for you right now.
Dear Cindi,
Your encouragement for today post on finding peace in the what-if moments arrived at a time of great worry for my family. My husband is in hospital for depression, being bi-polar it’s the second time this year and it’s tough. I’m off to Thailand for a humanitarian mission in 2 weeks and don’t think he will be fit enough to come there as well with our children for a 2 weeks holidays as planned. And I’ve just learned this morning that their flights are unchangeable / nonrefundable due to his condition, the insurance does not cover it. I need to be able to put all these worries at the foot of the cross as can’t deal with it myself, but can’t seem to be able to put the whirlwind going round my head away.
Claire,
Thank you for sharing with me what is on your heart and mind this morning. God knows the desire of your heart is to trust Him. He also knows when it all appears to be too much and that is why He tells us to cast our cares on Him. You are in my prayers this morning….”Lord please wrap your arms around Claire and assure her throughout this day that nothing in her husband’s health and this planned trip has taken You by surprise. You know all about what will line up in two weeks, so give her the confidence that You are her Hero, You are the One who will come through in mighty ways, and You are the One who will show her entire family that You have it all under control. Give her perfect peace as she rests in Your presence today, Lord. Amen.” Please let me know how it turns out, Claire. I’m waiting with great anticipation to hear what God will do. 🙂
I must believe God for everything that is heavy on my heart. I lift up salvation for my sons and that they would obediently follow Christ. A job with health benefits for me and my daughter. To live vibrantly, boldly and compassionately for my Lord by helping others know of His love and faithfulness even to one such as I.
Thank you, Mem, for sharing what is on your heart.
Thank you so much Cindi for your words of inspiration. I need prayer because I will soon have an “empty nest” and I am concerned about the well being of both my daughters’. The “what-ifs” have terrified me for so long. It’s good to know I can change this habit.
Thanks, Sharyn, for your response. Yes, you can stop worrying and start trusting. It’s a choice. 🙂
For this week:Help me pray that I will pass my Stats/Scores with flying colors to be able to keep my job. And for my son to do the same with his job.
For next month:Help me pray that I will be able to get my 13th month pay and still keep my job.
For next year:Help me pray that I will still have this job until my youngest son graduated in college, he is in 3rd year college and pray that he will be able to graduate with flying colors and that may God give him a truly rewarding Job,Help me pray for my Eldest son to accept his offer for a new Job to get Him out of his recent relationship in which he is living in with this woman outside the context of marriage.and help me pray that we will be able to buy the property that will help us start a business which will help my sister to come home for good,help us to pray that we will be able to sell our property that are not of use to us to start anew next year.Thank you.
Hello Cindi,
I just got accepted into Nursing school and I am believing God to keep me through this program to graduate with my degree because it is an accelerated course and I am asking for His guidance and keeping strength. This is my passion. This is what God placed in my heart to do..since the age of 5. A lot came and happened and I was thrown off track now I am back on track. Please lift me up in prayer.Thank you
Praying for you right now, Rachelle, that you will be guided, empowered and strengthened by God’s Holy Spirit for the task ahead. Thank You, Lord, for getting Rachelle back on track and keep her focused yet dependent on You as she continues down this road toward Your plan for her life.
I’m praying my husband of 18 years leaves this other woman. And move back home with me and our two children. I have been praying for many days and God has done wonderful works in me. I was able to see I put my husband before God and I was so wrong. My husband has a very hard heart I feel he has contemt for me. I also know my God is bigger and able to do all things.
Sissy, Yes! Your God is bigger and able to do ALL things. Praying for you today. 🙂
Dear Cindi. I am depending on God to free me from various addictions and insecurities that keep me enslaved to sin. I am also depending on him to transform my professional and personal life in a way that serves God best, gives praise to him, and shares the wonderful news of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I am depending on God to have businesses buy my firms services from me so that I can earn an income. I am also depending on God to complete a major reconstruction project for me in addition to successfully selling the home I currently live in and buying another better home in a safer neighborhood. I am ultimately depending on God to enable me to surrender my entire life and being to him and that he blesses me with complete loving service to his divine will. I humbly ask you to pray for me. Thank you so much for being a vessel of God’s will, love, mercy, and grace.
Thank you for expressing your desire for surrender. I fully believe when we desire complete surrender to Christ that He will place in our hearts HIS desires for our lives and then delight in granting them (Psalm 37:4). Thank you for your willingness to be a vessel of service for Him.