When dealing with worry or fears we need to see them for what they are. Worry and fear are like entities all of their own, and it’s helpful to see them like that so that we don’t grow to just accept the thoughts and often-outright lies as anything else but an assault on us. They don’t need to be accepted, or accommodated.
Worry and fear need to leave. They are unwelcome visitors who we don’t need to make feel welcome in our lives. For us to be healthy and whole, it’s helpful to recognise that fact, so that we can start to replace “worry and fear” with other positive influences in our lives.
As with any unwelcome influence or annoyances that try to get in our face, it’s often no point fighting with them, when actually we can simply walk away and choose to ignore what they are saying. Some situations, and conversations we are wisest to not even get involved with or entertain, and the same can be said of worry and fear.
When you start to worry, don’t get stressed about it, or get into a fight with those negative thoughts and emotions, because often worry and fear will try to fight back. Instead ask God for help, write down what you are worrying about, determine whether it is a rational thought or merely lies, and then if need be throw it in the bin; then walk away, shake them off, and choose to distract yourself by doing something you enjoy, and that makes you feel even a little bit happy.
Even if you have to do that ten times a day, that’s okay because as we change the way we think it will make new pathways in our brains. These new pathways and thoughts over time will change how we look and process our circumstances, conversations and life in general.
Today, don’t get in a fight with worry and fear, but see them for what they are – liars and joy killers. Put them in their appropriate place –“the, I need to deal with you properly and take action instead of just going around in circles, or I need to march you out the door and dump you in the bin”. Then walk away and refuse to make worry and fear welcome in your life today.
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 41:13-14)
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)
Prayer: Lord please help me to recognise that worry and fear are liars, and that they only come knocking when they are trying to steal my joy and peace. Help me to face them; to see them for what they are, and to then choose to walk away, instead of wasting my time listening and getting in a fight. In Jesus name Amen.
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