It’s impossible to hold two opposing thoughts at the same time. Worry is a default response to events beyond your ability to control. It is a tyrant and our enemy. It reminds you how little control you have while creating amnesia for where your help and peace of mind truly comes from…the Lord. It has you living in the future rather than staying in the present. 

However, when you choose to replace worry with faith, peace is possible, even in the midst of the storm. Will you allow worry to rob another precious moment of your life?

You are constantly bombarded with words, images, stimuli, and endless tasks and thoughts, leading to overwhelm, fatigue, and burnout. Like words on a page, your brain and body need margin. It’s why God created the Sabbath. Once a week, He commands you to pause for your well-being.

God doesn’t want you to worry about tomorrow. Instead, discover how the REST approach helps you release your worries, trust in God’s control, and develop a resilient peace of mind.

The Detrimental Effects of Worry and Anxiety

Worry isn’t harmless emotionally, physically, or spiritually. It makes you sick on all fronts. When you worry about the future, your brain believes the dreaded scenario is happening right now and triggers all kinds of physical reactions. When it isn’t your present reality, you are filling your body with stress hormones that weaken and sap you of your strength.

Your heart beats faster, acid pours into your stomach, sleep is disrupted, your hands start wringing, breathing becomes shallow and speeds up, painful memories appear, and you become short-fused, highly distractible, and unproductive.Your imagination is powerful. It can work for you when imagining a future goal or dream, or it becomes your worst enemy if you don’t guard your thoughts. You victimize yourself with your imagination when you remove God from your future. And of course, the Enemy loves it when you are in bondage to your fear. It paralyzes you and weakens your faith. Your brain doesn’t make a distinction between fantasy and reality. (Just watch a scary movie and you know what I’m talking about.)

---

Related Reading: Here’s the Secret to Breaking Free from the Chains of Worry (According to the Bible)

Related Reading: When You Are Anxious About the Future

---

What Is REST?

Have you ever tried to read a page completely covered by words with little to no white space? It’s very challenging, if not darn near impossible. You need those margins.

Life is no different. You are constantly bombarded with words, images, stimuli, endless tasks, and thoughts, leading to overwhelm, fatigue, and burnout. Just like words on a page, your brain and body need margin. This is where the REST approach comes in.

REST: Release Everything, Simply Trust

1. Release Everything

Begin by letting go of all fears and worries about the future. This step is crucial in freeing your mind from the chains of anxiety. When you release these burdens, you make space for peace and positivity to enter your life. Pause, breathe, and release. 

2. Simply Trust

You need Jesus, the Prince of Peace, every day, every hour. He knows living in this crazy world will rob you of your peace if you don’t stay close to Him in your thoughts, decisions, and actions. Remind yourself today when worry thoughts show up, Jesus has His arms wide open and is saying, 

“Come to me, you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Key Steps for REST: Shifting from Worry to Peace of Mind

Through the example of Jesus, we are reminded of the beauty of living in the present moment. He teaches us to cast our worries upon the Father and to embrace His grace and love. By doing so, we find peace, strength, and the ability to shine His light in the world.

Send the Enemy running with your prayers. Take what you’re holding onto with worried thoughts and lift them up to the Lord. Declare OUT LOUD that you trust God to take care of each need and ask Him to renew your mind with what’s right in front of you to be grateful for. Then ask Him to show you where to now place your focus and energy. 

Here’s a simple 5-step worry reset. Declare out loud (yes, OUT LOUD… your brain believes your voice!):

1. “God is…in control”
2. “I am…His beloved daughter/son.”
3. “I release my worry or concern about… into His open Hands.”
4. “I receive…His grace, wisdom, power, sound mind and love for today.”
5. “I am grateful for…”

---

Related Reading: Here’s the Key to an Abundant Mindset (Even If You’re Currently Overwhelmed with Worry and Doubt)

---

Conclusion

Worrying about the future is a natural human tendency, but it doesn’t have to control your life. When you give faith a home in your mind, amazing things start to happen. You’ll find the strength to face challenges head-on, the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, and the courage to pursue your passions with unwavering determination. You’ll discover a sense of peace and clarity that allows you to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. God promises a peace that surpasses all understanding when you bring your concerns to Him (1 Peter 5:7).

Seeking Support? Let’s Connect.

Each step you take toward releasing your worries brings you closer to a life of abundance and joy. Embrace the present, cherish your progress, and keep moving forward with a heart full of hope and a spirit of resilience. For guidance on your path to an abundant life, schedule a complimentary call with me.

---

Join the free community of positivity, encouragement, and tips for creating an ABUNDANT LIFE! It all begins with choosing the right thoughts and creating the right habits to live a life of abundance. I’m Dr. Richelle, an Abundant Life and Business Coach, and I am passionate about helping people become happier, healthier, and purpose-led by developing a healthy relationship with themselves, others, and God.