 Every worry is rooted in a lie about God.
Every worry, fear and stress is an attack on God's person and ways.
When the relevant truth of God is clearly stated, the lies become apparent and loose their ability to deceive us. We gain more freedom, willingness and faith to confront our failure and trust Him for our needs. We can observe our faith increase as we affirm His truths as mentioned below.
Just remember this: By declaring the truths we break down the lies! Below are four steps in finding and affirming these truths.
A. Discover what truths are relevant to your worry.
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Note what one is worrying about. Is it money, friends, fears, loneliness, grades, ...? Then try to see what we doubt about God. Usually we question:
- God's willingness to care for us (His mercy),
- His ability to care for us (His power), and
- His intention about helping us (His love).
For example, if I fear getting sick, I can ask Him to get well but in the end like Job I must give Him praise even in my suffering for I am made for His purpose. If I need to suffer, then I will praise Him in my suffering.
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Word of God
In the Word of God we are able to more easily grasp His Word by observing if these words are:
Truths about His person.
Promises about our situation.
Principles relevant to some decision.
Warnings to keep me from some behavior.
Examples to follow.
By looking at this list, one can more easily notice the different 'kinds' of words that might be relevant to ones situation. For example, if discouraged, I need a promise. If tempted, then a warning if best.
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B. Find relevant scripture passages that address those issues.
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Pray and ask God to show you one or more passages that address those issues. A good place to start is your morning devotional scriptural passage but don't be bound by it. Just start reading - even haphazardly - through the Psalms is fine. Just read a whole Psalm or paragraph when doing this. Be open to learn from passages that don't at first seem to speak to your situation. Often are mistake is our unwillingness to meditate on the passage and let God speak. We rush on too quickly. |
C. Proclaim these truths aloud.
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Quiet reflection on the truths are good, but for their full force speak them aloud in a sincere prayer to God. Writing is better than a quiet prayer; speaking aloud, however, is the most effective way. Why? The reason is twofold:
1) The truths lessens the demon's grasp on your thoughts just as light casts away darkness. We can not see this spiritual dimension, but one is greatly affected by it.
2) As one begins to assert the truth, the confusion gradually disappears and the issues come into proper perspective. This then allows one to boldly proclaim and commit oneself to the right way. Don't cut off your prayers too quick for the Holy Spirit is in the process of illuminating you. |
D. Affirm your willingness to live by these truths.
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You must not only verbally proclaim the right way but submit yourself to it. The vanity of this exercise is readily seen if we do not follow through. If God opens the door, one better go through it. |
Now let's look at four particular situations and apply the above process.
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Application to our daily lives.
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A. Discover relevant truths
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B. Find relevant scriptures
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C. Proclaim truths aloud.
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D. Affirm your obedience
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What about the security of my job?
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Is God not committed to oversee your job situations and your provisions as your Father?!
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Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
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Lord, I thank you that I can trust you with my job no matter what. If I lose it or I keep it. Nothing can happen without your sovereign hand working through circumstances to accomplish a greater good. You want me to trust you for my family needs if I keep my job or not. Thank you for this special opportunity to trust you for my family needs. |
You want me to put my worries aside. I trust my family needs to you and continue to trust you whether I loose my job or not. |
What about someone attacking me at night?
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Is God not all powerful, able and willing to watch over my footsteps?!
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Psalm 59:3-10
3 For behold, they have set an ambush for my life; Fierce men launch an attack against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD,
... 9 Because of his strength I will watch for Thee, For God is my stronghold.
10 My God in His lovingkindness will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes. |
Lord, it seems like violent men act in such unpredictable ways, but you are greater than they are. They might even set an ambush against me, but they are not stronger than Thee. Thou art my strength and stronghold. I call upon You to protect and shield me. In the end, I will give thanks for your deliverance of me. |
I will meditate on your love for me. You will watch over me. I will trust you with my life. |
What about flying?
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Is not God in control of every aircraft as well as my life?!
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Psalm 91:1-2
1 ¶ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
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Lord, I might be in an airplane high in the sky, but I know something much more comforting. I dwell in the shelter of the Most High. I abide in the shadow of the Almighty. You are My God. You are the One who ultimately cares for me whether the plane crashes or safely reaches my destination. I have entrusted my way to you and, I trust you will care for my life and situation. Thank you Lord! |
Lord, I will take that flight that you want me to take. There is some risk but I will trust you for protection. |
| What about people making fun of me?
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Is not God the wise One who designed me and keeps me living?!
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Psalm 139:13-14
13 For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well.
(Psalms 139:13,14, NASB).
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Lord, I know I should not be intimidated by those who make fun of me and look down on me. You are the One who has carefully formed me. Even before I was born, You were busy shaping my life. People might look down on me but I choose to thank you. You made me to display your glory. So I right give thanks to you and praise for making me the way I am. I don't pretend to be great, but I do want to be faithful. |
Lord, I have been avoiding those people but now I am ready to befriend them and even share your word with them. I am different but that difference is by your good design. |
In no case are we talking about being purposely foolish. Sometimes our duty or task is calling us to take a risk for the Lord's purpose. When we are within His purpose, we can trust Him in any situation.
One main reason we need to frequently meditate on the scriptures is to give us ample supply of truths that are relevant to our difficulties.
There are a host of areas that might be cause of worry. For each one there are truths to declare. Can you think of any scripture passages dealing with possessions, health, fame, lust, responsibilities, time, and even our life? The next session deals with the fear of death. The unknowns and fears of death trouble many people.
Let's see how Jesus brought truths into the minds of His troubled disciples. Next page
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