Do you need the peace that passes understanding? Are you worried right now? Like fear, worry is a liar. It lies telling me I am only “concerned” about the situation, not worried. But my tight muscles, furrowed brow, and consuming thoughts tell the real story.

Many people live with worry regularly. Big situations with unwelcome developments come into our lives. While concern can help me think responsibly about a matter, worry destroys my peace.

But I want to respond to life’s trials with spiritual maturity. In the first few verses of Psalm 146, we see the writer making a choice to praise the Lord. He tells his own soul to praise the Lord.

Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, my soul. I WILL praise the LORD all my life; I WILL sing praise to my God as long as I live (Vs. 1&2).

A strong example is given for all of us who love the Lord. Whether we feel like it or not, we should choose in the toughest of times to praise the Lord.

Some Consequences of Worry:

• Loss of perspective.
• Faith and trust in the One who saved your soul plummets.
• Guilt about worrying grows.
• Disturbed sleep.
• Physical aches and discomfort.
• Lack of self control in your mind and spirit.
• The Spirit is quieted because worry is in charge.

In John 7:38, Jesus tells all Christians that there are “rivers of living water” flowing inside of us. When I worry, I picture the flow is blocked. I wonder if things within me quit responding to His Spirit. Maybe bitterness, hopelessness, or self-pity take over.

THE SOLUTION:

Spiritual maturity responds to worry in a mature way. Mature believers must learn from Jesus. He praised God (Matthew 6:9-13, 11:25-26, Luke 10:21)! My bit of research indicated there are more times He did, too.

Used to when I would feel the pressure and start to worry, I just thought that was a normal reaction. But then I learned that the Lord commands me not to worry(Matthew 6)!

So now, when I feel the pressure and start to worry, I try to recognize it. Sometimes, I’m deceived into thinking I am only concerned. But the more aware I have become of my sin, the faster I recognize what is really happening. Then, I will choose a biblical practice that fosters a spiritually mature response to situations wherever I am.

Remember, the enemy wants your attention. He hates for God to get glory from your life even in these private moments of worry. When the temptation to worry comes, choose a biblical practice and practice not worrying. It is a practice, so keep at it! These practices bring glory to God because each shifts your focus to Him. If you need encouragement, here is a list of some of my biblical practices. They restore my peace and lift my eyes to Him.

Biblical Practices:

• Pray – At home I go to pray. Away from home, I pray in the car, or quietly as I run my errands or sit at my desk.
• Write Scripture – Engages your heart and mind –https://valerierumfelt.com/2019/09/29/scripture-writing-now/
• Read Scripture – Turn on your Bible app to read scripture to you. Or read your Bible out loud.
• Truth Cards – These are portable and convenient while sitting waiting anywhere. https://valerierumfelt.com/2024/06/17/project-transformation/
• Intentionally remember – It is important not to live captive to the situation. Recall your history with God in past situations(Psalm 77:11).
• Praise and thanks – You can praise God for who He is. And you can thank Him for what He will do in your situation.

Hymns of the Spirit

I hope these tips, and the other articles will send you on your way to restored peace. This is the peace only Jesus gives.

©Valerie Rumfelt

*The article is revised from a previous one.