Tool #7 |
Dealing with Worries |
If only worry was a leaf that could be blown away by the wind.
Do you lay awake at night with worries on your mind? The bills, the mortgage, the kids, having enough food, paying your electric bill?
What if you are worried about having just a simple roof over your head? Balancing a positive attitude and worries can be tricky. The thing about worrying is that it doesn't change the outcome. That sounds silly doesn't it? If you think that your time spend worrying is helping: Think again. For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7 To deal with worries, Pray first then try this helpful, hands on exercise. Print out the Worry Cards as shown on right (files at the bottom of column on the right or make your own!). Fold the paper long ways and cut in half on the fold. Then fold each half into thirds and cut. Now you have 6 Worry Cards. Start by making a list of all your worries on a separate piece of paper (you may have more than 6). Once you have your list, choose your 6 biggest worries for your Worry Cards. Write down your worry with as many details as you can. On the back of each card, write down the date and what you can do today to eliminate that worry.
Consider placing your Worry Cards in an envelope or little change purse for safe keeping. Plan your worry time. If you worry a lot, you may plan 2 worry times a day. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Take out your Worry Cards and read your worries. Turn the card over and write down the date. Now, write down what have you done since last time you worried to eliminate the worry? Repeat this process daily. |
AFRAID YOU MIGHT FORGET SOMETHING?
Find yourself a piece of paper, a note pad, a journal or whatever you are comfortable writing on and list all the thoughts that are going through your head. The grocery list, the bills to pay, etc. Write them all down. Now they are safe. You've written these thoughts down so you don't need to worry about remembering them overnight. If you close your eyes and think of something else, add it to your list. It's important to write everything down so you can clear your thoughts before you sleep. I've always found Counting my Blessings before sleep works much better than counting sheep anyway!
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There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 John 4: 18
1 John 4: 18
What you will find is that, if you can fix something YOU WILL FIX IT, there is nothing to worry about, similarly, if you can't fix something, why worry about it?
NOTE: REMEMBER TO GIVE ALL YOUR WORRIES TO GOD IN PRAYER
NOTE: REMEMBER TO GIVE ALL YOUR WORRIES TO GOD IN PRAYER
Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being here with me now. Sometimes my worries fill all my thoughts and I feel like I am drowning. I want to put my trust in you, Lord. Please help me resolve my worries so I can spend my time more efficiently. Please show me what really matters in my life.
Thank you for caring so deeply about me.
Amen.
Repeat this prayer every time you start to worry.
God wants to take your burdens from you.
Your making positive changes in your life. You are amazing!
God wants to take your burdens from you.
Your making positive changes in your life. You are amazing!