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.

Less than a week ago I had eye surgery. I haven’t said a whole lot about the nature of the surgery itself. I’ll say that it hasn’t been pleasant, but it wasn’t risky. I’m doing well, and can go back to work next week.

I’ve been homebound, which for an introvert isn’t the worst thing that can happen. What has been challenging, though, is that for the first few post-op days I had to restrict screen time – very limited computer, television, iPhone, all that. Nor could I read. Any of these activities made it feel like my eyeballs were melting and running down my cheeks. There’s an image for you – reference Raiders of the Lost Ark to complete the picture.

Thank God for Audible. There is nothing wrong with having someone else read to you.

What’s been interesting, and at times downright bizarre, is how aware I’ve been of time.

I never get bored. Seriously. I can always find something to do. Boredom seems to equate to time … the more you have on your hands, the more likely boredom becomes.

And yet, time rushes by. It doesn’t matter the state of your health, what you find to do with yourself, or how busy or idle you are. Time is time. Our perception of it is what makes it real to us. It doesn’t matter if you’re cleaning the bathtub or composing a symphony. It moves at the same pace regardless of my request to speed things up, or slow things down.

Laying on the couch with cold compresses over my eyes, in self-imposed darkness, I got to thinking about where the time has gone, and I’m talking about 67 years of time.

The usual thoughts crop up. Watching our kids grow up and start families. Experiencing body parts wearing out. Thinking about places I’ve lived, churches I’ve served, people who have crossed my path that made indelible impressions on me, and watching the seasons change.

To use a shopworn phrase: “It is what it is.” Time, I mean.

Know what I can do, though? In spite of the flow of time, I can make choices as how to use it. Things around me change all the time. I just need to make wise decisions in the midst of all that change. I am not powerless. I can choose. I have the power to choose.

You do, too. You can absolutely choose the quality of your life even if you can’t control the outcome of what’s happening around you.

What I’m seeing in these days are so many people yearning for a return to what once was, whatever that is to them. They don’t want to change unless it can take them back to a perceived better place.

Well, pilgrim, things do change, sometimes rapidly, and there is plenty that we’ll never go back to. We have to grapple with that.

I am not exempt from how life keeps moving in me and around me. And there’s a conclusion that is certain: unless Jesus delays his return (and I’m so dang ready for that!) then I am going to pass away. You too.

While that sounds grim, it’s really not. Our deaths should be a healthy consideration, because it helps us determine what we need to be about in the meantime.

It’s simple, really. We need to make wise choices. I can’t spend my life paralyzed thinking about how awful things are. I mean, we live in a fallen world. Should we expect anything other than awfulness?

What are we supposed to do, then?

Slow down a bit. (I’ve been forced to do that, and it ain’t all bad.)

We live in the midst of chaos, and it will continue relentlessly.

Try standing still.

You know what the end game is. I get the picture of storm-driven ocean waves crashing against a rock – the waves part and spray and the rock stays firm.

Beloved, you can actually choose to be that rock. Read that again. It’s absolutely true. Don’t play the victim. Don’t bemoan how awful things are. (And my mantra: Avoid the news, except for the things you can actually take action on. Feel free to watch sports and weather, though. Most everything else will put you in a dark place, and you don’t need to do that to yourself.)

Yeah, there are changes that need to be made. I’m not advocating abdicating your responsibilities as a parent, son, daughter, friend, citizen, church member, or anything like that. There are things to be improved, values to embrace and defend, and priorities to set.

Know this: if we’re going to make any changes, it’s time to do that right now, because time is limited. You have to choose, and you’re supernaturally equipped to do just that. Life is a gift, and a long(er) life isn’t guaranteed. How you choose will impact your present and shape your future.

In October of 2016 I gave up worrying. It didn’t seem to help. I recommend doing that.

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Maybe just “whelmed.”

Ancient script has some good stuff to encourage you.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

As always, believer, I feel obligated to share this: Whatever you’re facing, it’s gonna be alright. It always has been, and always will be. Without fail. Easy? Probably not. The ultimate victory? It’s all yours.

Choose wisely and make things more fulfilling and rewarding for yourself.

Talk later! Responses are encouraged and welcome.

Do you have a fear of surrender? I’d never really even thought about that.

Here’s what got me thinking about this – overthinking as usual. It’s a quote from Elizabeth Gilbert that deals with a fear of surrender.

Disclaimer: I’m an Elizabeth Gilbert nonfan, for the most part. She wrote Eat, Pray, Love, which was made into a movie with Julia Roberts – it’s waaaaay too New-Agey for me. Then there’s her involvement with Rob Bell. I’ll leave that right there. I don’t think I want to get into Bell right now. You can comment below if you’re so inclined.

Anyway. Here’s her quote about a fear of surrender:

You are afraid of surrender because you don’t want to lose control. But you never had control; all you had was anxiety.

Ponder that, pilgrim.

Here’s the implication: most of us have control freak tendencies. We like to call the shots. We don’t like to think that there are areas of our life we can’t manage.

Surrender implies strongly that we aren’t in control.

Think of a textbook example of surrender. You are in the military. You are in battle. The enemy surrounds you. And the enemy commanding officer demands that you surrender to him.

With that surrender, you are giving up your rights to yourself. You have handed yourself over into the hands of someone else who can do with you what they please.

In other words, you’ve lost control. That’s where the fear of surrender comes in.

Elizabeth Gilbert states that you never had control. All you had was anxiety. You worry about the things you have no control over. Hence, you have a fear of surrender.

I almost hate to bring up COVID-19 again. Dude, I am so over this. But it’s here, and it’s not going away, at least here in the United States … not anytime soon, it seems. I am comforted, sorta, in knowing that the odds are very good I won’t get it, and if I should, the odds are very good it won’t kill me.

What is concerning, though, is  fear and depression are also rising. According to a poll conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation, almost half of Americans report that the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health. You may not get the virus, but there’s a 50% chance that it’ll mess with your mental and emotional health. That’s where the anxiety comes in. You do have some control over COVID-19 – there seem to be ways to avoid getting it (duh) – but there can be other significant health tolls.

So there’s that fear of surrender, the fear of loss of control. Which you never had anyway. Instead, you just worried.

Worry and anxiety haven’t historically been my kryptonite; I’m the depression case study. That’s been an issue for, like, forever, but my head injury just compounded it. (But, as I’ve stated plenty of times before, good healthcare, both medically and psychologically, along with my faith, keeps things pretty well in check. Yay!)

I don’t know where your head is these days, but I’ll wager a couple of these questions have come up:

• Do I have enough money in case the economy shuts down?
• Will I keep my job?
• What’s school gonna look like in the fall?
• Are we going to have to social distance forever? and masks?
• Will I get sick? Will someone I care about get sick?
• Can life ever be back to normal, or is this it?

And so on. Even knowing you aren’t alone doesn’t help much.

Finally, the elephant in the room question: “How do I trust God in all of this?”

Ancient script addresses this. Thanks, Paul. Here’s a classic familiar passage, but it sure merits revisiting. Pretend like you’ve never heard this before. It’s Philippians 4:6 – 8:

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. 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.

Right? Is that the cure for your fear of surrender?

There’s your pattern, your plan. Pray like there’s no tomorrow. Pray hard. Be specific. Holler if you need to. And then – focus your heart and pour it out in praise.

Here’s Dr. Tony’s prescription:

1. Write out your prayers. Code them in some fashion if you don’t want anyone to snoop. But write them down. This little exercise gets the snakes out of your head and onto paper, where they can be addressed. Do this. No excuses, okay?
2. Don’t sugarcoat anything. This isn’t a time for you to try to convince God of your spirituality. If you’re a holy wimp, that’s okay. Give yourself permission to be weak. Be transparent. It’s not like you’re trying to convince God you’re someone you aren’t.
3. Shift to praise. If you just can’t muster up enough strength to praise spontaneously, crack open your Bible and read some Psalms. Aloud, if you can. Here’s 10 of my favorites:
   1. Psalm 136
   2. Psalm 117
   3. Psalm 100
   4. Psalm 139
   5. Psalm 42
   6. Psalm 56
   7. Psalm 23
   8. Psalm 27
   9. Psalm 37
   10. Psalm 145
4. You’ll see in some of these Psalms where the psalmist says some pretty dark things before moving on to praise. I think there’s a replicable pattern there.
5. Lather, rinse, repeat.

In the spirit of keeping it real, I affirm that these days are just crazy scary. There is that fear of surrender in the mix.

The mandate, though, is to surrender. You are, in effect, giving up your rights to yourself and letting God possess and own you.

That’s some sweet surrender right there.

Be well.

Question: What is the single biggest obstacle that would keep you from totally offering yourself to God, to allow Him to do what He wishes in your life? Leave comments below. And if you’ve found any value in this post, please share it by using the social media links on the left.

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.

Chill. I think you need to relax.

It’s because you find yourself in knots way too frequently. On really bad days, you can’t even suck in a decent breath. You have this sense of constriction, of the world closing in on you.

This is unpleasant (see my gift of understatement working here?)

Temperamentally, I’m not given to anxiety. Depression, well, yeah. But to spend my days bent out of shape? Nope. I just don’t find that much to get all agitated about.

I’ll tell you what is my kryptonite is along these lines. I feel that there are way too many times when I’ve wandered away from God. It isn’t that I’ve turned my back on the faith. Nothing like that. It’s rather an aimless drift, a sense of anchorlessness, of knowing where I should be and what I should be doing, and knowing that I’m not there.

I’m I hard on myself? Oh heck yeah. I can’t bear the thought of God being disappointed in me. I don’t want to let Him down. I want to please Him, because He’s daddy.

How about you? What’s your kryptonite?

• You second guess your motives and your actions, wondering in hindsight if you handled situations right.
• You have this sense of aimlessness.
• You wonder if you’re fulfilling your purpose in life.
• Heck, you’re trying to figure out what your purpose is.
• You feel indecisive and wishy-washy.
• You wonder if you’re adequately meeting the needs of those you care about.
• You can’t focus or stay on task because you’re afraid of failure.

If you’re a person of faith, then these issues are even more acute. After all, you are supposed to be standing on the Solid Rock. You’re supposed to be steadfast and unwavering. You absolutely shouldn’t be stressed … as you often say, “God’s got this!”

Of course He does. Unquestionably. Then why isn’t that a reality for you? Why is anxiety such an integral part of your temperament?

Guess what. I think you need to relax. You are just a fragile human being, who changes as much as the weather.

That is not a weakness. It’s just the acknowledgement of a reality. We are hard-wired to adapt to different circumstances and environments. We are going to have good days and bad days. Maybe even good hours and bad hours. All sorts of factors play into our shifting moods and feelings.

There are some people, perhaps, that are so steadfast that nothing deters them from their forward march. They are invincible. Aspire to that, if you will. I do think that’s attainable. But don’t beat yourself up if you don’t hit your marks every time.

That is, of course, not an excuse to be mediocre and ordinary. There’s no honor in that. I’m just pointing out that you have to be self-forgiving. And repentant – if you habitually screw up in one area, that is NOT a good life plan.

Beware of setting some ridiculous standards for yourself. Aim high, certainly. Don’t tolerate known sin in your life. Don’t be proud of being average. But keep it real.

I’m afraid many of us have been tricked by the Enemy into judging our own flesh.

In other words, we view ourselves through human eyes. I can assure you, that’s a no-fail way to feel anxious because you’re convinced that you will never amount to anything.

Do not buy into that lie. Satan knows that if he can get us to focus on ourselves with all our frailties, we’ve done his work for him. He loves to see us sidelined, convinced that we are losers, committed to a life distant and aloof from God.

Well now, grasp this:

Your faith is based on His grace and not your feelings.

The pressure is off. You don’t have to perform to be right with God. What is inherent in you that makes you all that special anyway? We are all frail creatures of dust. But because God  is gracious beyond human understanding,  He loves us just the way we are. There’s not anything you can do to make yourself any more loved by Him.

Remember, your feelings will change. You’ll have those days when you feel like a leaf in the wind.

In spite of how you feel, God does indeed have you in His grip. That’s where faith comes in – you anchor yourself in the reality of who He is and what He’s done. Grace covers all your anxiety, all your uncertainty, all your questioning, and all your confusion. He understands. Oh yes, He does.

I think you need to relax.