How to Stop Worrying and Start Trusting God
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Introduction to How To Stop Worrying and Start Trusting God
Worry is a relentless habit that often dominates our minds and hearts, leaving us in a constant state of anxiety and fear. As Christians, we are called to a different path — a journey of faith and trust in God. This journey is not easy, but it is the path to peace and fulfillment. In this post, we will explore how to stop worrying and start trusting God, using practical steps and various Bible verses to help you on your way.
How much time do we actually spend in the habit of worrying? The issue of worry is one that I’ve personally struggled with for a long time. God’s plan is rarely revealed to us in full, if ever. The good news is that if He were to reveal His plans to us in full, we would not have a need to faith. We would simply rely on our own abilities. For this reason, it is imperative that we fully understand how to stop worrying and start trusting God.
Understanding the Nature of Worry
Worry is a natural response to an uncertain future and perceived threats. It’s a form of fear, and it often stems from our desire to control situations and outcomes. When we worry, we are essentially trying to solve problems in our own strength, which can lead to a downward spiral of anxiety and stress. This is all too common in people that have a grand vision of their own future. As I’ve written about quite a bit before, our family has a huge vision of one day owning an expansive property where people gather to experience freedom and adventure in an authentic way.
The control we consistently desire shifts our focus from the plans God has for our vision onto the plans that we have for it. However, what I continue to learn is that God’s ways are bigger and better than ours. We often fail to realize this though and choose, instead, to believe that we have all the answers needed or that we are supposed to go make this dream a reality utilizing the gifts we have been given.
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV)
The truth is, worry accomplishes nothing. It does not add to our lives; rather, it detracts from our peace and joy. Jesus teaches us that worrying is futile and that we should trust in God’s provision.
Recognizing God’s Sovereignty
Trusting God starts with recognizing His sovereignty over all things. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and nothing happens outside of His control. When we acknowledge God’s power and authority, we can begin to let go of our need to control our circumstances.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1, NIV)
God’s sovereignty assures us that He is in control, even when our lives seem chaotic. Trusting in His plan gives us the confidence to release our worries and rest in His care.
Embracing God’s Promises
The Bible is filled with promises that remind us of God’s faithfulness and love. When we meditate on these promises, we are reminded of His goodness and provision. Here are a few key promises to hold onto:
- God’s Presence: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NIV)
- God’s Provision: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV)
- God’s Peace: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, NIV)
By focusing on God’s promises, we can combat worrisome thoughts with the truth of His Word. It’s funny that the opposite of faith is choosing to simply utilize our God-given talents to bring our dreams to reality. After all, God is that one that has given them to us! The beauty of God, though, is that we are to work in tandem with Him to achieve our dreams.
Practical Steps to Stop Worrying
1. Pray and Surrender: Begin each day with prayer, surrendering your worries to God. Ask Him to take control of your fears and anxieties.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)
2. Meditate on Scripture: Spend time each day reading and meditating on God’s Word. Let His truth replace the lies that fuel your worry.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)
3. Cultivate Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal, noting the ways God has provided and blessed you. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)
4. Seek Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage you and pray for you. The body of Christ is a source of strength and support.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV)
5. Practice Mindfulness: Take moments throughout your day to be still and know that He is God. Mindfulness helps you stay present and connected to God’s presence.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)
Trusting God in Difficult Times
Life’s challenges often trigger our worries. During difficult times, it’s crucial to cling to God’s promises and trust in His plan. Remember, God is with you in every trial, guiding you and providing for your needs. One question I always like to ask is, “What is the worst-case scenario of this thing I’m worrying about?”. More often than not, it’s really not that bad. At any given moment, things may come crashing down on us. However, if we understand that difficult times are part of the journey, or the climb, then we will rarely let it destroy us.
Story of Encouragement
I attended an intensive in August of 2022 in Buena Vista, Colorado. At this time in my life, things were not going well. Our income had dried up, our marriage was struggling and I felt like a complete and total loser as our family was embarking on an audacious attempt to fulfill the dreams God had placed in our hearts. When I was at my lowest, the Holy Spirit whispered to me on a brisk, sunny summer day.One morning, I felt like I heard the Lord’s voice whispering softly to me the following words. So I wrote them down.
“You have committed to this new life of adventuring with God. There is no turning back. You are with me now. I will lead you up the mountain. There will be spots of rest. It’s a long journey. There will be points where you will want to quit. There will be the most beautiful scenes you’ve ever seen. The water you take in will be the freshest, the living water you can drink. There will be boulders in your way.
There will be wild animals looking to devour you. We will hold fast to the path that I’ve set before you. The only thing is that only I know the way. I will provide guides along the journey. Those guides will be your sages. I will show you the next right track. After that, if you choose to venture beyond me, you’ll have no trail to follow.
No path to guide you. You will become lost. You will find me again, but only after you’ve almost reached your end. We will walk step in step. I will lead you. You will walk next to me. Your family will walk behind us. Together, we will continue to climb. Every day, we will climb.
There will be days of rest. The destination will be revealed. It is not important today. What is important is that you get up, gather your belongings, wake your family up, get them prepared, and begin climbing again. You can do this. We will do this. We will do this together. I am not with you anymore. You are now with me.”
Keep climbing. Keep listening to His voice. And keep going with God.
Overcoming the Habit of Worry
Breaking the habit of worry requires intentional effort and reliance on God. Here are some additional tips to help you overcome worry:
- Limit Negative Inputs: Be mindful of the media and information you consume. Choose uplifting and faith-building content.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries that allow you to rest and recharge.
- Develop a Prayer Routine: Consistent prayer helps you stay connected to God and reminds you to surrender your worries to Him.
- Focus on Today: Take one day at a time. Jesus taught us to focus on today and not worry about tomorrow.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34, NIV)
Encouraging Verses for Different Situations
To help you trust God in various aspects of your life, here are some additional verses to meditate on:
For peace of mind: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV)
For guidance: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
For strength: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV)
For protection: “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7-8, NIV)
How to Trust God with the Unknown
Facing an uncertain future can be daunting, but trusting God means believing that He knows the best path for us. Here’s how to build your trust in Him:
- Acknowledge His Wisdom: Recognize that God’s wisdom far exceeds our own. He sees the bigger picture and knows what’s best for us.
- Surrender Control: Let go of the need to control every aspect of your life. Trust that God is guiding you and has a plan for you.
- Stay Connected to God: Maintain a close relationship with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers. This connection strengthens your faith and trust in Him.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
Building Faith Through Community
Community plays a crucial role in our journey of faith. Surrounding ourselves with close friends and fellow believers can help us stay grounded and encouraged. The family of God is a source of strength and support during times of struggle.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV)
Engaging with your church community, joining a small group, or participating in Bible studies are excellent ways to stay connected and build your faith. On rare occasions, when you feel overwhelmed, leaning on your community can provide the measure of relief and encouragement you need.
The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool in overcoming worry. It allows us to communicate with our Heavenly Father,
bringing our fears and anxieties to Him. The Lord’s Prayer is a perfect example of how we can surrender our worries and seek God’s guidance.
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV)
Incorporating prayer into your daily routine can help you maintain a sound mind and stay focused on God’s goodness.
Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness
Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness can strengthen our trust in His future provision. Taking the time to remember how God has guided, protected, and provided for us in the past can help us trust Him with our present and future.
“I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” (Psalm 143:5, NIV)
Keeping a journal of answered prayers and blessings can serve as a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness. This practice can be especially helpful during times of uncertainty or doubt.
Embracing God’s Love
Understanding and embracing God’s love is essential to overcoming worry. God’s love is perfect and casts out fear. When we fully grasp how much God loves us, we can rest in His care and trust that He has our best interests at heart.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18, NIV)
Meditating on God’s love and allowing it to fill our hearts can help us combat the spirit of fear and replace it with a deep sense of peace and security.
Conclusion to How To Stop Worrying and Start Trusting God
Trusting God is a lifelong journey. It involves daily surrender, intentional focus on His Word, and reliance on His promises. As you commit to this new life of adventuring with God, remember that you are not alone. He is with you, guiding you every step of the way. Let go of your worries and embrace the peace that comes from trusting in Him. The key part to all of this is simply letting go of outcomes. There is only so much that you can control. When you choose to let go of outcomes, you free yourself from the worry of the end result. More often than not, the end result is better than what you had wanted in the first place.
Keep climbing, and keep listening for His voice. Keep going with God. Truly learn how to stop worrying and start trusting God.
If you found these insights helpful and want to read more inspirational stories and practical tips on living a life of adventure and freedom, subscribe to our newsletter. Stay connected and join a community of like-minded individuals who are also navigating life’s rugged paths.
About the Author
John Claborn
Hi! I’m John. Author of the post you just read. I like to write about all things adventure. Mostly things to help people live more adventurous lives and care for their families in a more meaningful way. By day, I’m a COO. By night, I’m a rad dad of 4 kids that I don’t deserve and a husband to a woman I can’t understand how I got. My goal is to show freedom to people through adventure and experiences.
