JESUS IS LORD COLLEGES FOUNDATION INC.

COLLEGE DEPARTMENT
IST SEMESTER, S.Y. 2022-2023

CHRISTIAN COUNSELLING

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------------------------------- LESSON NO. 13

OVERCOMING WORRY

INTRODUCTION

Worry is one of the most common dilemmas confronting modern man. We have
all experienced repeated bouts with worry. Occasionally, our worry is minor and
short-lived , while at other times it is severe and longlasting.

Though we have all experienced some degree of anxiety some individuals are
more prone to worry. They have established a habitual pattern of worry which
lasts for a lifetime progressively dominates every area of their lives.

It may be easy to understand why unbelievers suffer from worry , but it is

sometimes difficult to comprehend why Christians suffer from its torturing
effects , especially when the yhave the support of God and his Word on their side.

OUTLINE :

I. WHAT IS WORRY ?
II. WHO SUFFERS FROM WORRY ?
III. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF WORRY ?
IV. COMMON CAUSES OF WORRY
V. THREE REVEALING FACTS ABOUT WORRY
VI. IS THERE HOPE?
VII. EIGHT STEPS TO VICTORY

WHAT IS WORRY ?
Though each of us familiar with the sensation of worry many of us would have
difficulty defininf it. Simply stated, worry can be defined as “state of mental and
emotional agitation and distress resulting from undue concern over something
impending of anticipated. “ Worry involves an uneasiness of mind or a brooding
anxiety about a real or imagined situation or possibility . It is n unresolved
feeling of fretful apprehension and mental unrest which is a close companion of
fear , anxiety, stress , insecurity and tension.

In the Bible , the word which characteristics worry is translated “anxiety or care”.
For example , the scriptures declare, “ Do not be anxious (worried) about
anything” (Philippians 4:6 NIV) IT is taken from a Greek word which leterally
means “to divide, rip or tear apart”. I apply describes the torturous effects of
worry which hearts at our heart , mind and emotions.

WHO SUFFERS FROM WORRY?

Everyone ! Feelings of worry are so prevalent and widespread in today’s society

that they have reached epidemic proportions . Worry is one of the greatest
problems affecting mankind.

Everyone experience worry in some degree of intensity and duration during their
life. No one is exempt or totally immune. Worry afflicts both young and
old ,children and adults , men and women, rich and poor , educated and uneducated
, healthy and unhealthy , godly and ungodly . It is a universal problem which cuts
across every conceivable social , ethnic and racial banter .

Worry is such a commonplace problem that it has been referred to as the “official
emotion of our age” and “the most pervasive psychological phenomenon of our
time” . It stands out as one of the greatest sources of human suffering and distress.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF WORRY ?

Worry can produce a wide variety of destructive symptoms which can aggravate
our mental , emotional , physical and spiritual well-being . These can include the
following

Mental and emotional fatigue ulcers high blood pressure

Drug and alcohol dependence frequent headaches migraine
Loss of appetite backaches hyper-tension
Lack of concentration insomnia heart problems
Stomach problems skin rashes nervousness

Worry can paralyze us with fear, confusion and insecurity . It can cripple our faith
and undermine our joy, peace of mind and our sense of contentment . Worry can
destroy our physical , mental and spiritual enthusiasm , motivation and energy .
It can cause us to withdraw from life. Become antisocial and sink into depression.
It can stifle our creativity , dull our personality and distort our judgment . As we
can see, worry breeds a whole host of harmful consequences which can hinder our
well-being if not handled properly.

COMMON CAUSES OF WORRY

1. UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE

An anxious anticipation about future uncertainties is a major cause of worry.

Jesus indicated this fact when He cautioned “..do not worry about tomorrow”.
( Matthew 6:34)

We live in a world of constant change , unrest , and instability . The current

climate of international tension generates a constant undercurrent of
apprehension . This tends to reinforce an atmosphere of worry , insecurity
and uncertainty concerning the possibilities of tomorrow . The arms race,
the threat of nuclear holocaust, the growing crime rate, the ever-changing
economic scene, political upheaval and the “doomsday” forecasts both
within and without Christendom create a mental environment conducive for
breeding worry and apprehension .

Whether our worry involves the minor consequences of life or major life
changing possibilities , our ability to pay a bill or our chances of surviving a
nuclear holocaust , the uncertainty about the conditions of tomorrow stands
our as the greatest , single source of worry.

2. THE CARES OF THIS WORLD

Christ cautioned us about being overly concerned with the cares of this life .
(LUKE 21:34). The carnal concerns of this present life often intensify the
potential for spiritual unrest , anxiety and worry.
 This is especially true in our materialistic age. We live in a world of carnal
value systems , demands and expectations . Christians are constantly
harassed and bombarded by secular enticements and influences which
promote carnal cares and encourage us to measure up to the standards of
success and security which the world embraces .

Some Christians succumb to unnecessary worry because they are overly

anxious and agitated about the affairs of this present life. Instead of
confidently trusting God as their provider and establishing a priority of
seeking “first the kingdom of God andHis righteousness “ ( Matthew 6:33)
they are overwhelmed with worry about making a living , acquiring
possessions , saving for the future , achieving material expectations , or
“keeping up with the Joneses”.

3. THE PRESSURE OF LIFE

The pressure of life are a close companion to the cares of this world . The
challenges , concerns and complexities of modern life exert tremendous
pressures upon us which can overwhelm us with worry and anxiety.

The unrelenting demands of our pressure cooker world, the constant crush of
responsibilities and the never ending strain of meeting deadlines ,
achieving goals , or fulfilling expectations can often create a state of stress
and worry concerning our ability to meet the obligations of life.

The Bible gives a clear example of the worry which can arise when we fail
to handle the pressures of life in a scriptural manner . This can include even
the pressures of ministry and service to Christ . In the story of Martha and
Mary ( Luke 10:39-42) Jesus gently reproved Martha for her agitation and
anxiety . He challenged the worry which had gotten out of control in her
rush to fulfill the responsibilities and meet the deadlines confronting her.

4. PAST INFLUENCES AND EXPERIENCES

A person’s present worries are often the result of past conditioning .Many
are victimized by repeated episodes of worry due to the contributing
factors from their past. Yesterday’s worries often lay the groundwork for
 today’s anxieties . Previous fears, insecurities , disappointments, traumas ,
and problems can create a sensitivity in certain areas of our life which
manifests itself in the future through recurrent bouts of worry.

Children can subtly acquire a specific pattern of reoccurrent worry due to

repeated exposure to their parents’ influence . For example , if their
parents suffered from financial distress and upheaval , a child may grow up
with a tendency to nurse financial insecurity and worry. If the parents were
overly anxious about health problems , a child may grow up with exaggerated
anxieties and hypochondria in this area also .

Whatever the cause or source of past worries , our failure to specifically

resolve them can result in a prolonged pattern of repetitious worry which
can linger for a lifetime and end up reinforcing itself as the years pass.

5. SELF DEPENDENCE

When we focus our attention upon ourselves and our own natural abilities to
cope with the challenges and responsibilities of life, we begin to prepare the
groundwork for worry.

Worry is often the direct result of failing to trust in Christ and depend
upon the power of God to confront life’s problems . When we assume that
we possess the capabilities to solve our problems or manage the challenges
and decisions of life , we quickly fall prey to mounting feelings of worry.
When we try to shoulder the burdens of responsibility for our life, we are left
to our limited resources and the inevitable consequences of frustration and
worry set in.

Worry is often the result of self-dependence and self-sufficiency. This is a

common pitfall which many fall into. Leaning upon our own understanding
is hopelessly inadequate . When we fail to surrender our cares to Christ , our
burdens grow heavier and our worries gradually intensify.

6. SATANIC ATTACK

Satan is often the indirect source of our worry. He recognizes that worry
is an extremely effective weapon for undermining our spiritual well-being
and bringing us into mental bondage. He is the great instigator behind
 much of our anxiety. Satan is only too willing to agitate our thinking and
encourage us to worry . He knows that if he can direct our attention away
from Christ’s sufficiency and provision , he can stifle our confidence an
faith. He endeavors to focus our attention upon problems , ourselves , and
our natural understanding rather than upon God’s counsel , answers, and
assistance.

He often paints grim pictures of foreboding possibilities and embellishes our

worries with additional suggestions , insights, considerations and fears in
order to further fan the flames of insecurity and worry Those whose
character and temperament are prone to worry are especially susceptible to
his attacks.

THREE REVEALING FACTS ABOUT WORRY

1. Most of our worries are based upon groundless , imaginary

unsubstantiated fears. The overwhelming majority of our worries are
based on “what ifs” rather reality
2. Worry accomplishes nothing beneficial. It is not constructive but
destructive. It is not a help but a hindrance. It is not part of the solution
but a part of the problem. One of the greatest arguments justifying worry
is the deceitful lie that worry can help us solve our problems. Worry
solves nothing . It only complicates and intensifies our dilemmas .
Even Jesus challenged the uselessness of worry when He stated “ And
which of you by worrying can add one cubit of his stature ?” (Luke
12:25).
3. Worry breeds worry. The more we dwell upon our worries , the more
worries we have to dwell upon . When we preoccupy ourselves with our
worries , they become bigger than life and eventually consume us . The
more we focus upon our insecurities fears, and anxieties , the more
distorted and exaggerated they become until God fades from the picture
and they completely dwarf the scriptural solutions for our problems.

IS THERE HOPE?

Absolutely ! God did not intend for worry to be a normal part of the Christian
experience. For this reason the Word of God exhorts us “ Do not be anxious
about anything “ ( Philippians 4:6)
Whether we seldom worry about anything or are chronic worry warts who
spend most of our waking hours looking for something to worry about it is not
God’s will that we worry. Whether our motto is “Don’t sweat it “ or “Come
worry with me “ . we can comfort in the awareness that God’s Word provides
scriptural solutions for the problem of worry.

The Bible offers a number of liberating guidelines for achieving a permanent

victory over anxiety and maintaining a worry-free lifestyle .

EIGHT STEPS TO VICTORY

We must carefully consider the scriptural steps which lead us to freedom from
worry and anxiety.

1. REPENTANCE

It may come as na shock to some but worry is actually a sin. Worry is

a spiritual problem involving distrust and a lack of faith in Christ. The
Bible reveals that “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23)

Before a Christian can overcome worry, je must recognize that it is a sin.

Repentance is a crucial first step in successfully waging warfare against
our worry, We must not attempt to apply superficial , cosmetic
remedies to our worry until we have first dealt with the root of the
problem .

Instead of ignoring or bypassing this underlying problem , we must take

prompt , decisive action We must sincerely ask God to forgive us and
cleanse us from our doubt and spiritual unbelief. When we have laid this
proper foundation , we can move on to the other essential steps for victory
contained in God’s Word.

2. WE MUST PRAY

“BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, but in everything by prayer and

supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding , will guard your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus “ ( Philippians 4:6,7)
 Prayer is one of the most effective antidotes against worry. It is also one
of the greatest safeguards against recurring worry. Prayer represents
God’s scriptural alternative for anxiety and worry. Prayer is God’s
channel of release, relief, and resolution.

A great deal ofour worry is the result of shouldering the burdens of life
without turning to the Lord in prayer . We have instant access to “the
peace of God’ when we release our burdens to the Lord. For this reason ,
the scriptures exhort us about “casting all your care upon Him, for He
cares for you” ( 1 Peter 5:7) When we fail to focus upon Christ through
prayer , we begin to experience increasing amounts of anxiety . Prayer is
the answer to much of our worry.

3. WE MUST DISCIPLINE OUR THINKING

One of the greatest contributing factors in our worry is our thought life.
Many individuals slip in to habitual worry ruts because of their
unrestrained thoughts . They tend to magnify , distort, and perpetuate
their worries through a failure to control their thoughts .

In order to overcome our mental anxieties we must discipline our thinking

. If we focus our minds upon godly realities and truth , we will reinforce
faith and security. However, if we dwell upon fears , yield to our
insecurities or indulge in our worries, we will blow them out of proportion
and undermine our spiritual well-being . We must not allow our minds
to drift into anxious meditation.

Though the scriptures admonish us to pray instead of worry , they also

exhort us to rivet our minds upon those things which are true, just , pure ,
lovely and of a good report (Philippians 4:8) Mental discipline and
restraint working in cooperation with prayer is an important safeguard
for securing the peace of God and maintaining it.

4. TRUST IN GOD’S WORD

Wemust confront our worries with Gods’s Word. We must discipline our
anxious thoughts with the absolutes of scriptural reality instead of
dwelling upon our worries , fears and insecurities .
 The truth of God’s Word counteracts the faith-defeating effects of
unrestrained worry. The Bible not only supplies solutions , but it also
instills faith: “ faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”
(Romans 10:17)

The promises and assurances of God’s Word provide a powerful antidote

for the specific areas of worry we are experiencing . If we will search the
scriptures for scriptural solutions and then confront our problems ,
uncertainties , and dilemmas with them, we will effectively overcome a
great deal of the anxieties we encounter.. When we firmly fix our
confidence, reliance, and faith upon God’s answers to life’s problems , we
achieve a victory over our worries.

5. WE MUST EXERCISE OUR FAITH

The ultimate answer to worry is faith: “without faith it is impossible to

please God” (Hebrews 11:6) . Without faith we will ne3ver achieve a
decisive victory that has overcome the world- our faith “ (1 John 5:4)
Faith is often the missing ingredient for victory.

Faith does not have to involve feelings. It is an act of our will in

obedience to God’s Word , whether we feel good or not. The power of
faith does not reside in ourselves or in faith itself , but in God. The power
of faith is focusing upo God’s power , ability and desire to meet our
needs rather than upon our self-defeating doubts , insecurities and fears.

Faith involves a reliance in the absolute reality of God’s Word. We must

stand upon the truth instead of our worries . If God says “I will never
leave you nor forsake you” ( Hebrews 13:5) we must believe it. If God
says He will “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by
Christ Jesus” ( Philippians 4:19) , He means it. Therefore , we must
confront our fears with that quality of confident faith which trusts in God
and rests in His Word.

6. RENEW A PROPER PERSPECTIVE

An important key for overcoming our worry is to renew a godly

perspective of our life situation. If we fail to perceive our life situations at
any point, as God perceives them, then we become susceptible to worry.
 Worry is a common by-product of unbelief . Unbelief is a failure to see
God as a loving ,compassionate , all-powerful being who is in absolute
control of the universe. Faith arises when we see that God is still in
control of our lives and that everything we experience has adivine purpose.

One of the greatest truths a Christian can embrace is the scriptural

revelation that ‘ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO
THOSE WHO LOVE GOD” ( Romans 8:28) This liberating truth can free
us from much of the self-imposed worry , insecurity and fear we
experience. Why fall prey to worry when God is in control of our life and
working everything together for good ? If we will embrace this fact, we
will lay hold of a dynamic faith-builder which will undermine much of
the worry we experience.

7. SEEK A SPIRITUAL REFRESHING

“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS. Again I will say , Rejoice !..Be

anxious for nothing , but in everything by prayer and supplication, WITH
THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God”
( Philippians 4:4,6)

A great deal of our worries can be alleviated when we obtain a spiritual

refreshing . Spiritual refreshing comes as a result of spending quality
time with God in worship, praise and rejoicing. When we touch God’s
Spirit through worship, we often discover a powerful release from the
self-imposed bondage of mental anxiety and agitation , for “ where the
Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17)

Instead of dwelling upon our self-reinforcing worries, we should separate

ourselves unto a time of spiritual communion. This will cause us to rise
above our worries and will usher us into a conscious state of anointed
confidence, victory, and freedom from our worries.

8. CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

An often overlooked solution to much of the worry we encounter is found

through Christian fellowship and involvement with others. Fellowship
often provides a healthy means of release from our anxieties and worry
fixations .

Contact with others sometimes serves as an effective distraction which

diverts our attention away from our self-focusing worries . Fellowship
and involvement with Christian friends provides access to a wealth of
godly insight ,encouragement , counsel, positive exhortation and comfort
which helps relieve the pressures of worry.

The scriptures declare “ A iron sharpens iron , so a man sharpens the

countenance of his friend “ ( Proverbs 27:17) Fellowship with Christian
friends is often the missing ingredient needed to relieve the dulling effects
of anxiety and sharpen our spiritual focus , perspective and discernment
concerning God’s answers to our worries.

CONCLUSION

We have carefully examined the subject of worry . The scriptures reveal

that it is not God’s will that we suffer from anxiety and worry. Not only
does the Bible admonish us to “Be anxious for nothing”
(Philippians 4:6) but it also provides the practical insights needed to
achieve a worry-free life. If we will apply the following steps , we will
overcome our present worries and effectively prevent future recurrences.

1. Repentance
2. Prayer
3. Discipline our thinking
4. Trust in God’s Word
5. Exercise faith
6. Renew a proper perspective
7. Seek spiritual refreshing
8. Christian fellowship

TO GOD BE THE GLORY !!!!