Matthew 6:34, New King James Version

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Worry, in essence, is the sin of distrusting the promises and the power of God. Ouch! It’s choosing to dwell on, to think about, the worst-case scenario. It’s faith in the bad things rather than faith in God. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

Worrying is a control issue. People are often obsessed with trying to control their circumstances. And while some things in life are within our ability, many things aren’t.

Worrying is a waste of time. It's like spinning your wheels but going nowhere...wasted energy for nothing. I wish I could say I don't ever worry or overthink. I do way more than I should. But God says not to do that. He says to stop overthinking by trusting Him, praying about worries, and focusing on the present instead of the future. The Bible encourages us to take control of our thoughts, bring our requests to God, and find peace in His care. 

Overthinking is seen as a form of worry: Overthinking is described as a self-focused cycle that prevents trusting in God's promises. But God has a better plan: Instead of overthinking a situation, remember that if something is not God's will, He has a better plan for you. Trust that He has your best interest at heart.

So, what do we need to do when we feel worried or over thinking setting in? Pray and turn worries over to God: The Bible advises that in every situation, you should present your requests to God with prayer and thanksgiving. Give your anxieties to Him. We need to ask for help early: It's better to go to God at the beginning of your fears and anxieties, rather than waiting until you can't stand them anymore. Look for triggers that cause worry or over thinking. We need to focus on the present. Jesus reminds us, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". (Matthew 6:34)

We have to find rest in Him...physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. God promises rest for weary souls, so "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". (Matthew 11:28)

We have to control our thoughts, take them captive. This can be hard because our thoughts are so powerful, but the more we practice it, the easier it will be. The Bible says to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ". (2 Corinthians 10:5)

We have to intentionally align our thought life with God's Word, grounding our mind in truth rather than doubt. 

Sometimes, anxiety wins. That’s just a fact. We aren’t perfect. So, if you find yourself lying in bed at night, unable to sleep because worry is stealing your rest, don’t despair. God loves you. He is for you. He wants to take away your worry. First Peter 5:7 (ESV) says, “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 

Sleep refreshes, rejuvenates, rebuilds. Don’t let worry steal that gift. Let your trust in God win the fight between faith and anxiety, and sleep peacefully, knowing God works all things for your good and His glory. 

Be humble. Admit you can’t fix things. And then let God care for you in the way He wants to care for you.  

How about you? How often do you worry over things that are not under your control? What are you worried about? Can you choose today to do what you can do and then give it over to God?