“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”—Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Last week, I wrote about applying God’s Word to your life. I only listed two scriptures for anxiety/fear but the reality is I could write an entire post about scriptures that help me in those situations. Romans 12:2 is my reminder that when I give God authority over my thinking, it is much harder for me to fall back into old thought patterns. 2 Corinthians 10:5b is another one; we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The first definition of worry listed on Merriam-Webster.com is, to choke or strangle. The more common one is, mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated : ANXIETY. Neither are a very comforting definition for me to read. However, if you think about it, when you worry, you are letting it strangle your soul. It consumes your joy and happiness.

If I let these worrisome thoughts take a hold of my mind, the only thing it changes is me. It isn’t going to change the outcome of what might or might not happen. Letting worry or anxiety enter my mind only hinders me from living in the fullness of what God’s will is for me. As I fill my mind with some of these scriptures, it not only renews my mind but transforms my life as well. 

Jesus tells us in John 14 that we should not worry or be fearful because He can give us a peace that our world we live in cannot. “I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid.”—John 14:27 (CEV)

How do we overcome despair, confusion, or anxiety? Get our mind on God. When anxious thoughts begin to flood my mind? Refocusing on Christ is the only thing to stop that runaway train. I can’t have peace if I am letting earthly matters rule my mind. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”—Colossians 3:2

Are you struggling with allowing something beyond your control to steal your peace? I think at some point in our lives we all are guilty of this. However, as we learn to strive to live out Romans 12:2 to not get caught up in what the world is telling us but change the way we think, we can live out God’s will for us. Living in fear is not His will. His desire is for us to find peace through Jesus’ love so that we can reflect His love to others.

I know for many this may not always be possible. Oftentimes, we may need to seek outside help. This isn't a lack of faith. It is trusting God to lead you to the experts that can help you manage your anxiety.

Dear Lord, 

Forgive me when I fail to trust You. I ask that you transform my fear into faith, worry into certainty and doubt into confidence. Renew my mind and heart to feel Your unsurpassable peace in my life. I know that with You all things are possible, including releasing what can hold me captive to fear and worry. Help me to retrain my mind to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Thank You for the Holy Spirit indwelling and Your Word that directs me. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

September Memory Verse

“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”—Psalm 119:133

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