“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” ~ Isaiah 26:3
REFERENCE:
As we wrap up our discussion on ‘war on worry’ today, I want to leave you with your gaze, Godward. The need for this conversation became more real to me when I heard of a former CEO of one of Nigeria’s biggest online shopping platforms who jumped to his death from the balcony of his house just two days ago. I wonder what agitating thoughts ultimately drove him to such an end.
Below are additional things you can do to declare war on worry and to live worry-free:
- Take a Break: The mind loses its grip when the body is tired. So, it is helpful to set time aside to go on breaks occasionally. Use your annual leave, spend a weekend in a hotel, or travel to a less busy city and sleep. Take care of your body, exercise, sleep, and do regular medical checks. A healthy body makes a sound mind and helps to neutralize worry.
- Have a Cash Reserve: For most men and women, lack of money is a major source of worry. It is good to build the habit of saving (and investing) for the future. The unexpected happens; you don’t want to be taken by surprise or put in a situation where you go around begging. Don’t use up every money that comes to you; money affects your mental health more than you think.
- Stay Your Mind on God: Isaiah gives us the most excellent remedy – stay your mind on God, look to Him, and trust that He has your back. Underneath you are His everlasting arms; He will uphold you through trying times if you look to Him. Isaiah said, if you trust and stay your mind on God, not allowing it to be drawn into endless daydreams, He will give and keep you in His ‘perfect peace,’ which in Hebrew is ‘Shalom, Shalom’ – Complete soundness and rest.
How do you keep your mind stayed on God? Meditate on His word and promises. Do not let the ‘word’ depart from your mouth; superimpose its truth over the situation. Confess, declare, and pray what God says in His word, not what your situation says. When a negative thought or lie of satan knocks on the door of your mind, answer it with the word of God – IT IS WRITTEN.
I pray that as you declare war on worry, you will experience victory in every area of your life, fulfill God’s purpose for your life, and be more available and useful to those who love you.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Deuteronomy 33:27, Romans 12:2, Psalm 112:7, and Joshua 1:8
PRAYER:
+ Lord, I place my trust in You. Cause my mind to find its rest in Your love and Your word.
+ Lord, heal my physical body and reverse any damaging effect of undue exposure to the elements, pollution, medications, or stress, in Jesus’ name. You are my Jehovah Rapha.
+ I declare that from today, and I will live worry-free by the grace and help of the Holy Spirit.
