Armorbearers International

Have you been plagued with worry during these troubled times? With some simple little truths this week, I want to show you how to receive the Peace of God as a guard over your mind and inner being no matter what your circumstances look like. This guard walks right past our understanding and guards our hearts and minds against turmoil.

Remember the words of Jesus when he said, "In this world there will be trouble but cheer up for I've overcome the world." (John 16:33) Through that victory (Christ's victory) we can have victory too—over worry. Last week we talked about waiting on God. Well many times while we're waiting, worry tries to creep in and steal our joy and anything else of faith it can cart off. Worry erodes our peace and happiness.

          If you're anything like me, we don't call it worry. We say it's being concerned. Before I knew what I know about worry I would say, "I'm just thinking on it." Nevertheless, if those thoughts turned toxic or I was overly concerned it was, guess what? You guessed it; it was WORRY.

          Won't you join me in waging war on worry this week? Here are some things that have helped me win over worry through the years.

1. Call it like it is. First things first; call worry as it is. There's no point in sugar coating this enemy in our lives. (Yes, I did say enemy.) Worry is a sure thief. If you allow it, it will steal your joy, your peace and even your victory in faith.
2. Repent of worry. Worry is a sin. Fear is the opposite of faith. Worry is a thought pattern that increases fear. When we give into thinking on a possible negative outcome, we reinforce our fears. If you find yourself in a worry cycle, stop your thoughts and repent. Worry was such a habit in my life; when I first began taking control of my mind and thoughts against worry I had to do it hour by hour. And if it was an intense trial of faith, then sometimes minute by minute I would stop worry in its tracks and repent.
3. Discover the antidote. As you know, whenever you are getting rid of any negative pattern you must replace it with something good or positive. In the medical field for whatever poison our society encounters, from snake venom to deadly diseases, they are searching for or have developed antidotes. In a similar way, we already have the antidote for worry. The antidote for worry is the Word of God.
4. Replace Worry with the Word of God. No, I'm not saying you have to walk around with a Bible on your hip and whip it out anytime you're tempted to worry. Although for some of us worry has become such a stronghold of thought patterns that we do need to take extreme measures until it's conquered. If you're just beginning to change this pattern, begin putting words of faith from the Word of God into your heart. One of my best memorization techniques is to pray the Word of God over whatever I'm worrying about. Then when those worry thoughts come up during the day, I replace them with the Word of God.

For example, not long ago I was concerned (worried) about a certain need I had in my life. I kept entertaining thoughts (worrying) about what would happen if it wasn't met. My thoughts were over and over again what I would do if several worst case scenarios happened. (worry) Then, I stopped myself. Wait a minute; worry is a sin.

Lord, I'm sorry for giving into worry. I've already prayed about this need and your word says, "Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6) So I'm not anxious (worried) but thankful that you heard my prayers. And thank you for Your Peace that surpasses all understanding and guards my heart through Christ Jesus.

I hope I haven't been too teachy or preachy. I don't want to portray that I've arrived or have such a supreme victory in faith that I'm not bothered with worry anymore. That's far from the truth; it's still a daily battle sometimes. Even so, I know what to do to swat those worry thoughts down. And now so do you. Go win the war over worry and allow peace to guard your heart today. See you next week.

Earma