On October 16, 2016, I gave up worrying.

Reason? It didn’t seem to help.

That’s not to say that I don’t have other issues. Depression is my kryptonite. Migraine medicine and my “happy pills,” plus a total dependence on God who raises up medical professionals, keeps me in a good place … most of the time. I believe modern medicine can be a gift from God – it’s just another tool in His box to bring about healing, and that’s what I was looking for.

Regarding the worry thing: In October of 2016 I found myself bent out of shape, and these years later I don’t even remember what the issues were. I just know that they were awful. I needed a breakthrough, and I knew God alone could facilitate that.

So, I got my tent and went out to Timberlake Campground on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, which is about three miles from our house. I packed my clothes, sleeping bag, air mattress, and some basic provisions. My intent was to lay myself before God and say, “Okay, Lord, it’s just you and me. Let’s do this. I’m open and available.”

Because we have a gracious God, He blessed. I won’t go into the details – I know sometimes getting a few words out of me is like getting a drink of water from a fire hydrant – but I can say that over a couple of nights He moved me through a process of discovery and renewal. Healing and deliverance, if you will.

If you’re prone to worry and anxiety, here’s some of what I’ve learned. I journaled through this whole process. I’d be quick to say that if you are in a dark and desperate place, get some professional help. The stigma that used to be so prevalent – even among Christians! – of getting proper counseling and other medical attention is going away.

It’s often said that our life is shaped not just by our actions, but by our thoughts. As believers, we understand this goes deeper than simple psychology; it’s a principle that’s woven into the fabric of spiritual truths. The Bible reflects this in Proverbs 23:7, “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” This is more than an observation—it’s a call to action for each of us to master our minds.

But in today’s world, it’s easy to find our thoughts drenched in worry. Concerns about health, finances, family, and the future can dominate our mental landscape. However, if “you become what you think about,” then constantly worrying can transform these temporary thoughts into permanent shadows over our lives.

The Trap of Worry
Worry is a tricky beast. It masquerades as “being responsible” or “just being realistic,” but it’s often an unnecessary burden. It saps our energy, reduces our effectiveness, and if left unchecked, can reshape who we are. Jesus Himself addressed this in Matthew 6:27, asking, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” The rhetorical question highlights a profound truth: worry adds nothing but takes much.

Redirecting Our Thoughts
So, how do we combat this incessant worry? The key lies in redirecting our thoughts from what can go wrong to what can go right, and more importantly, to what is eternal. Note, too, that there is a difference between worry and legitimate concern. If it’s 2 a.m. and you don’t know where your 15-year-old daughter is and you can’t contact her, you’d best be concerned!

Count Your Blessings: Start by acknowledging the good. Make it a daily habit to identify things you’re grateful for. Gratitude is more than just a feel-good exercise; it’s a powerful way to change your thought patterns from pessimism to optimism.

Stay Present: Worry often pulls us into the past or catapults us into the future. Staying present helps us to engage with the here and now. Practicing mindfulness can help maintain a focus on the present moment rather than the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Lean on Scripture: Philippians 4:8 instructs, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This is not just advice; it’s a prescription for mental health. Filling your mind with God’s truth can transform your perspective.

Building a Fortress of Faith
Building our thought life doesn’t happen overnight. It requires diligence and a proactive approach towards what we allow to dwell in our hearts and minds. Remember, the mind is a battlefield, and as 2 Corinthians 10:5 teaches us, we are to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” This isn’t just defensive strategy; it’s an active, daily realignment of our thoughts with God’s truth.

Living What You Believe
Ultimately, mastering worry means aligning our thoughts with our faith. It’s living out the truth that God is sovereign, and He holds our days in His hands. When we truly believe that, our worries start to lose their grip on us. This doesn’t mean we won’t have concerns or that we ignore the realities of life. Rather, it means we face them with faith, not fear, knowing our thoughts are in line with God’s promises.

As we start to focus more on God’s truth and less on our worries, our lives can’t help but start to reflect the peace and purpose we read about in the Scriptures. Remember, “you become what you think about.” By focusing on God’s promises and truths, we can reshape our minds and, consequently, our lives. Let’s choose to fill our thoughts with what builds us up, not what tears us down.

“I’m stressed out.” You ever said that? Is that where you’re living right now?

Perhaps you’ve heard my testimony about dealing with mental and emotional issues, especially after my head injury and subsequent post-concussion syndrome for the last couple of years. It’s a thing, and I never dreamed I’d be that person that people would talk about saying, “Poor Tony. After he scrambled his brain, he never was the same again.”

That’s true, I guess. But I’m not stressed out because of that. Actually, I’m generally not stressed out anyway. I’m pretty chill. Depression is my Kryptonite; that’s not what we’re talking about today.

I watch people I know and love in recent days teeter on the verge of a “come apart” (and if you’re not a Southerner, I don’t know if that communicates well. If you’re one of my foreign readers, it just means that you are about to break down, have a fit, or conniption, or whatever.) They are legitimately stressed out.

What do you do if you’re in that state?

I have four thoughts to pass along.

1. If worry and anxiety are a problem for you, set aside a specific time of day for it. You think I’m kidding? I’m not. Don’t let it ruin your whole day. If worry creeps in and you’re stressed out, then jot it down and determine to put if off until your scheduled “worry time.” That compartmentalizes it, condenses it, and gives you freedom for the rest of the day. That’s actually a stopgap measure – we want to squelch stress and not have to make time for it.
2. Forgiveness is a powerful tool. I believe stress can be born from suppressed emotions – guilt, jealousy, hatred, anger, and envy can all cause huge anxiety. Sometimes you can figure out what the issue is. Other times, a professional needs to evaluate what’s happening. Once the emotion and its source are pinpointed, two things need to happen:
   1. Ventilate those feelings. Get them out. I’d say that you need to have a safe person to open up to. I’d start with the One who is always there, God Himself. He’s promised to never leave or forsake you. It’s all about confessing your thoughts and actions.
   2. Cultivate good friendships. This can be tricky, because I’m talking about more than just acquaintances. This will need to be someone who can keep confidences, someone who has your best interests at heart, and who won’t judge.
   3. The biggie? Accept God’s forgiveness for your weaknesses, but you absolutely, without question, need to forgive others you feel have done you wrong. There is no shortcut, and you cannot, under any circumstances as a child of God, excuse a lack of forgiveness. You can’t control  the actions of other folks, but you can always choose to forgive. That’s liberating.
3. Schedule and practice a quiet time. If you want to function and not be stressed out, then you need to have a definite time of solitude and reflection. Wondering how you can find the time for it? You just do. I assure you there are plenty of people who have fuller schedules than you who make this a priority. I promise you can find five minutes. That’s a great starting point.
   1. Meditation is a part of this. If you’re stressed out, this will help. I’m not talking about some eastern religion weird thing, but just a time to let God speak. You breathe. You find a natural rhythm. Be still and listen. Shhhh.
   2. Then there’s prayer. If you’re a stressed-out believer, this is crucial. Ancient script – from Philippians 4 – states: 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I love this because it speaks of God’s peace guarding our hearts and minds. Your rational mind can inform you that you have no reason to be stressed out, but we are anyway. It’s because your mind knows what’s happening but it hasn’t made it to your heart yet. Still – you can have peace. It’s a promise.
4. Be obedient. This is tough if you’re stressed out. Most of the time we’re very aware of God’s will, because it’s spelled out in scripture. We just have to do what we know we’re supposed to. Simple, right? Sometimes, not so much. Here’s the thing: we often wait until we’re faced with a big decision between right and wrong. Then we’re caught off guard and screw up. Well, the best time to make a decision is before circumstances force us to make a decision. Settle in your mind and heart that you’re going to follow God’s teachings, no matter what. If we fail (and we will), then we simply confess, agree with God we blew it, and move the heck on.

Obviously, this is not a comprehensive list of what to do when you’re stressed out.

I know our lives are hectic, demanding, and stressful. Even good things can contribute to that stress and anxiety – family, work, school, sports, and other activities. What can you do to deal with those pressures?

Just get as close to God as you can and roll with it.

Be well.

In God we trust. That’s the official motto of the United States of America.

You already knew that.

In these days, though, is that a common sentiment among Americans – indeed, among other people of the world?

I’d suggest that we need to claim that motto and make it personal. Because sometimes, we act as though God is the last thing we trust in.

With that as a little foundational thought, I’d like to give you some pointers to make “In God we trust” the truth it needs to be.

In recent weeks, I’ve been concerned about the mental and emotional state of folks around the world. We understand the physical impact of COVID-19. We can see the financial impact with closed businesses and people wondering how they’re going to pay the rent. But even if you’re physically healthy, and your job is as secure as any job can be, you’re still anxious.

There it is: anxiety. Maybe you know it first hand. Perhaps you’re experiencing it right now.

I’m not sure where I ran across this definition, but it’s a good one: Anxiety is an emotion expressed in the face of a perceived threat or danger.

What’s so nasty about anxiety – and I know whereof I speak – is that sometimes you can’t even identify the source. You don’t see a specific threat. You’re tense, you’re on edge, you’re uneasy, and you can’t pinpoint why.

There’s a difference in anxiety and worry.

If you’re a worrier, you know what you’re worried about. There’s something specific you can identify as the source of your worry. Anxiety is a different beast.

We say “In God we trust,” and yet anxiety counters that.

Stay with me here. Anxiety and worry are signals to tell us what we really trust in – the object of our trust.

• If I worry about money, then my trust is in money.
• If I worry about health, my trust is in medical professionals.
• If I worry about what others think about me, then my trust is in other people.
• If I worry about doing everything right, my trust is in myself.

These are not bad. At all. It’s just when we say “in my paycheck I trust” instead of “in God I trust” that we can get anxious.

This is evident, but the Bible says trust in God.

If we put our trust in others, money, jobs, ourselves, or anything else and put our trust in God in second place, then we’re trusting in imperfect things which will eventually fail us.

So – we need to put our trust in something (someone?) that won’t fail us. In God we trust. Get it?

Let me share a little exercise with you. This won’t affect your final grade. If you’ll actually take a little time to do this, well, prepare to be amazed.

First, read this like you’ve never even heard it. It’s Philippians 4:7-9 from the NIV:

⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

In God we trust. He is promising peace and deliverance from anxiety. Next:

• Confront your anxiety head on. Run toward it. (Whaaaa …?)
• Verbalize (or, ideally, write down) how your worry and anxiety are irrational. They most likely are.
• Ask this and answer it: “What am I most afraid of this very moment?”
• Ask: “If you could eliminate the most frightening situation in your life, what would it be?”
• Play this game: What if?
  • Make a list of your past and present life fears.
  • Construct a scenario of what would happen if that very worst life fear came true.
  • And ask: How would you cope? Would you survive?

Others have been there before, am I right?

Ancient script tells the story of Abram. God had promised him that he would be the father of many nations. Genesis 12 tells of Abram’s initial steps.

Abram finds himself in Egypt, trying to survive because of a great famine. Abram starts playing “what if?”

¹¹ As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. ¹² When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. ¹³ Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.”

Abram is assuming thing are about to go really, really bad. There’s a real lack of trust in God.

Same for Jehoshaphat, and you can read about him in 2 Chronicles 20. Short version is that, as king and general, he and his people stand the chance of being annihilated by enemy armies. Here’s his prayer:

¹⁰ “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. ¹¹ See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. ¹² Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

You aren’t alone in playing what-if, wondering what is to happen next.

• Now, name the people, events, or thoughts that are triggering your anxiety.
• Finally, list those situations that cause anxiety and confess them to God.

Google says this is the most often searched-for passage in scripture. It’s because it’s a good’un. It’s Philippians 4:4-7:

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Want to know why those verses are in scripture? It’s because God knows our human dilemma and our tendency toward anxiety.

It may sound counter-intuitive, but the answer is to acknowledge, name, and embrace your anxiety.

Run toward it, in other words.

When you lean into your anxiety, panic, and worry, and call it what it is instead of trying to escape and run from it, you’ll come closer to accepting the assurances that God has given you. He came to set the captives free, and if you’re a captive to worry and anxiety, this is sweet news.

Our anxiety can cause sleepless nights and spinning thoughts.

Replace those things that cause anxiety with this truth: “In God we trust.”

He has us covered.

“I’ll never be normal.” That’s pretty harsh.

What does it mean to be normal, anyway? They say normal is just a setting on a clothes dryer. Maybe normality is subjective.

But to say “I’ll never be normal” is stating that you have a crystal ball and you already know the end game.

Maybe you’ve said some of these:

• ”I can’t stop beating myself up.”
• ”I’ll never be able to set goals and stick to them.”
• ”I’ll always give in to that temptation.”
• ”I don’t think I’ll ever be the kind of person others look up to.”

And so forth. If you want to go with current events:

• ”I’ll always live in fear of catching some horrific disease.”
• ”I don’t think I can ever be as relational as I once was.”
• ”If God let this happen, then I don’t think I can ever trust Him again.”
• ”If someone got sick because of me, I can never forgive myself.”

”I’ll never be normal?” you say? That is a cognitive distortion – a “false thought,” if you wish.

It may be that the false thoughts you have make you comfortable. It’s because you’re living in a world that you yourself created.

So, for you, is there now a “new normal,” one that exists outside of what’s going on inside your head?

If you’ve had any of those thoughts I listed above, take heart. You don’t have to be stuck there.

We live in a day right now in which the culture is telling you all sorts of things. You pick and choose and sort through what you’re hearing, and then you decide how to act on what you’re thinking and feeling. Guess what? You can snap out of this crazy culture.

Maybe you’ve tried before. Maybe you’ve failed. Maybe you’ve said, “I’ll never be normal.”

Here’s the term I want you to understand. It’s overgeneralization.

It’s when you take one tiny paint drop and use it to fill in a big picture. That will get you in big trouble. It’ll cause you to wave that surrender flag and saying, “I just don’t care anymore. This is the way I am and this is the way I’ll always be.”

It’s easier to say that than it is to face your demons head-on.

Know what? If you look back on your life, you’ll see victories. They may be small and of no consequence to anyone else. But you by-golly prevailed over something.

So, when you mess up, you can’t look at that as a permanent, life-defining failure. If you look at those slips as failures, you’ll convince yourself that you’re at a dead end and there is nothing else you can do.

So here’s your assignment when you say “I’ll never be normal.”

That false thought of “I’ve failed?” Replace it with “I’ve learned.” Every misstep is an opportunity to learn.

(I know I lost some folks right then, because they’re interpreting that as some feel-good, motivational hoodoo.)

More truth: If you look back at a time when you failed and you thought that you’d never be “normal,” check this out. You’re still standing. The sun rose on you this morning. That means you learned something. Give yourself  a high five. And ask: “What did I learn from this?”

I’d contend that so many things we classify as failures actually are wins.

There are a couple of approaches to life in these days.

You can blame your heart state and your feelings that “I’ll never be normal” on external issues: The ‘Rona, your parents, your environment, your relationships, etc.

Or you can blame internal issues: Your temperament, your personality, your astrological sign (okay, please, ignore that last one.)

Most people are a mix of the two. And granted, some things are really out of your hands.

Here’s the solution, and I think it’s worth the price of admission:

Grab hold of what you can control, and make the very best of it.

In other words, own it. Try this: Make a list of what things are not in your control. Look at that list and ask: “How can I control the uncontrollable?” If you really can’t control it, let it go, Elsa. But if you can, pull that thing inside yourself and own it.

Be well. Stay safe.