I recently came across and article by Harvard Health on the effects worry can have on our bodies and mind. According to the article, worry or fear is a natural response with benefits but can also be detrimental. The article provides evidence that people with anxiety disorders are at greater risk for developing a number of chronic medical conditions and risk of death when they become ill.

As a result, persons with constant or excessive worry can develop gastrointestinal disorders, chronic respiratory disorders, heart disease and a number of other illnesses. They claim one of the solutions is cognitive-behavioral therapy. The cognitive approach helps people identify and avoid thoughts that generate anxiety, and the behavioral part helps them learn how to react differently to anxiety-provoking situations.

Not surprisingly, scripture tells us exactly this: “be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This requires deliberate action and discipline to take our worries head on.

FX3 Challenge:

Read:

Read and meditate on Philippians 4:6-7. What do these verses say to you?

Pray:

What are you so worried about that it’s consuming your every thought?

Meditate / Make It Real:

What will you start doing today to eliminate this worry? How will you let God handle it for you?