Breaking the Worry Cycle
We’re all worried about something. Whether it’s COVID-19, the economy, or our personal lives, worry can be overwhelming. It’s a cycle that starts in our thoughts, produces anxious feelings, and ultimately affects our bodies. But what if we could stop worry at its source?
Understanding the Worry Cycle
Worry begins with a thought, which leads to anxious feelings and eventually stressed bodies. We feel fearful, hopeless, and doomed. This cycle is hard to break, but there is hope. Counselor David Murray introduces us to the personal stories of 18 teens who have dealt with anxiety and depression, providing keys to unlock the chains of worry and experience new liberty, peace, and joy.
God’s Counsel for the Worried
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus offers counsel for the worried. He invites us to look at creation, specifically birds and flowers, to understand God’s care for us. If God looks after the birds and flowers, will he not look after us? This passage encourages us to get out into nature, stop, study, and think about it. Soak in the sights, delight in the sounds, take in the smells, savor the taste, and feel the touch.
Questions That Minister Peace
When we worry, we ask ourselves, others, and even God lots of questions. But God comes to us with alternative questions that minister peace rather than worry. Let’s look at five of God’s questions and how we should answer them:
- Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
- Are you not of more value than the birds?
- Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
- If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you?
- Are you anxiously asking, like the Gentiles: ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
Two Truths That Answer Our Questions
God answers our questions by revealing two truths about himself. First, “I am your Father.” God cares for us, knows our needs, and loves us. Second, “I am your King.” God is in control, rules over all things, and unfolds everything according to his perfect plan.
Priorities for Peace
Panic sets the wrong priorities. In times of worry, we focus on our little kingdoms. But God says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” A great promise is attached to this: “All these things will be added to you.” Kingdom concern is the remedy for money concern.
Breaking the Worry Cycle
When you’re anxious about everything, look at God’s creation, listen to God’s questions, rest in God’s caring control, and follow God’s priorities for peace instead of worry. Remember, panic trusts human control, while peace trusts God’s control. Worship your way out of worry. Let worry lead you to worship God, and let worship lead you out of worry.
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