Worry Isn’t the Antidote to Fear
With Dr. Mara Klemich I Consulting Psychologist & Neuropsychologist
We’re all in a situation of unchartered waters - facing all kinds of new scenarios and responsibilities we've never had before.
The constant stream of news (good and bad), needs that may be beyond our resources, so many questions swirling in our heads. The spirit of fear can attack us, telling us we aren't going to make it, that we can’t do it right – all of this can be a recipe for anxiety and the worry that causes it.
The trouble with worry is that it doesn’t actually change much in our outside world – but it can change us…and not in a good way!
Worry is about trying to control situations with our minds when we feel we’re out of control. But it sends us into a negative spiral, which then causes anxiety.
What we’re doing is trying to take control with our thoughts, our will – leaning on our soul for control.
But God’s way is for us to posture our spirits to Him – and allow Him to take control.
2 Timothy 1:7 says:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind.”
A sound mind includes self-discipline to be able to “renew our mind” to “be transformed” as Romans 2:12 tells us.
So in a practical sense, one of the first steps to recognising worry that can become anxiety is to take control of our mind! Start by recognising and acknowledging your emotions – rather than blocking them or fighting them. Part of having a “sound mind” is having awareness of what’s happening for me right now and choosing to manage it– recognise then name the emotion: that’s fear, or that’s anger, or that’s sadness.
The second step is to go where God is (not where He’s not!) – find His presence, focus your mind and emotions on Him: in prayer, or reading scripture, or in one thing you’re grateful to God for. Thank God for that one thing – no matter how small…
Now hand over that negative emotion and need for control to God. Lay it at the cross.
“Let go, and let God.”
Breathe in and out – Spirit means breath, so focus your breathing and your gratitude to connect with your spirit, which is connected to God. It will calm your soul and your body.
Worrying doesn’t get rid of fear.
As 1 John 4:18 says: “Perfect love casts out fear”. So let God’s spirit bring peace to your spirit.
Let go of needing to control! Out of that will come peace of mind and body, and the renewed energy to keep navigating these unchartered waters with peace.
Join us as we continue to explore the theme of Sound Mind this month at C3 London at 10:00 on Sundays on Youtube.
Visit our channel here.