Different challenges surround us daily, and handling them alone can easily overwhelm and drag us down.

But regularly coming to God for help is our best strategy.

Here are some godly principles behind these verses relating to worry.

1. TURN WORRIES INTO OPPORTUNITIES TO SEEK HIM 

Jesus repeats “do not worry” in Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:22-32.

They emphasise the divine care God shows us, and He expects us to shift our focus – from worries, to seeking His Kingdom and living righteously. And He wants us to focus on living each day, without behind encumbered by the worries of tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). ​

The strategy of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness seems irrelevant, but do consider carefully: Jesus is leading us to focus on what’s achievable each day, while we leave the rest to Him. This means letting Him deal with the God-sized issues not meant for us to bear. ​

I recently shared a prayer request with my small group members regarding work issues. There was no way I could settle them by my own strength. I pressed on and did my very best as though I was serving Christ regardless of my environment.

Thanks and praise be to God for answering our prayers!

God answered it by shifting me into new responsibilities through staff changes. He removed work issues and gave me new job scopes. The new opportunity may be equally or more challenging, but I trust He will strengthen me in the coming days.​

I know that God is doing great things in your life too because He cares about every single aspect of you. Tell Him about your every worry and invite our tender Shepherd to soothe your body and soul. ​

2. TURN WORRIES INTO THANKSGIVING ​

​Let us recall our life in the past week, month, year or even decade.

Do we notice His great deeds? How did He lead us out of difficulties? Who did He send to care and help us? What were the outcomes of those choices when we sought after His will?​​

Remembering God’s faithfulness and counting our blessings reminds us of how He has led, guided and protected us thus far.

Let us give thanks and sing praises to our Creator. As promised, His peace will guard our hearts and minds regardless of the difficulties we face.

3. TURN WORRIES INTO LETTING GOD TAKE CONTROL 

Perhaps you feel like life is out of control right now, but the Bible tells us to proactively relinquish the control to our God.

Consider what you are worrying about, which areas you are striving to take control, and ask God to show you how to release it.​​

It takes practice to let go, but once we release it, we are putting our feet on His firm foundation.

May you learn to present your worries to the Lord and experience His everlasting peace.​

This article was published on Yio Chu Kang Chapel’s website and is republished with permission.