How to Overcome Worry

​“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6).
       We as Christians are commanded by God through the apostle Paul in such passages as Philippians 4:6 to “be careful for nothing” or to not worry. In times like these, with the Delta variant of the Covid-19 pandemic on the rise, it is a temptation for many to become worrisome about contracting this serious virus and/or spreading this virus to their loved ones and others. There are many who have already had this virus and who are dealing with the effects of having Covid-19 now. No matter what category you fall in, this past year and a half has been like nothing we have every seen in our lifetimes. That is why it is important to try to remember what Philippians 4:6 says, and not worry. For some, this is easier said than done. For those of you who are reading this and who might be struggling with worry and anxiety over the pandemic, or over any other challenge you are facing in life, here are some ways to overcome the temptation to worry.

1. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).  We should be so focused on God and serving Him that we do not have time to worry. Dealing with the challenges of life are easier when our main focus is on God. Praying often to God for help gives us peace, and serving Him during trying times gives us hope, which helps to keep us motivated to push through the many challenges that we face in life. Failing to pray and serve God as we need to, opens us up to temptation to sin, and causes us to lose that security we have in knowing that He will always take care of us. The things that are first in our lives must be spiritual things.
2. Take one day at a time. Jesus tells us to do this in Matthew 6:34, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” We do not know what the future holds, so we should take each day as it comes and not worry about tomorrow.
3. Give it to God.  Do what you can do about a situation that is concerning to you, and then leave the rest to God. If we are faithful and obedient, then He will answer our prayers in such a way that is best for us. “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” (I John 3:22).  Whenever we are tempted to worry, we should start praying to God right away, and cast all of our cares upon Him. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5:7).

    These are some things to consider when it comes to overcoming worry. As Christians, we are to rely on God to help us rather than trying to take care of things on our own. By doing so, we can lead more peaceful and happier lives. We can also influence others to do the same, and lead others more closely to Christ. 

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