Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13)
I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’ve always been a worrier. I do it without thinking. It’s my default way of coping when life spirals out of control, which happened in a big way when our son went to war as a Marine.
At first, worrying seems to offer relief. I can imagine everything that might go wrong and then prepare for all contingencies. But that preparation is a lie. It only feeds more worrying.
Once I’ve slipped into full-blown what-if mode, it’s hard to regain my emotional balance. But it can be done.
Here are the things that helped me reverse the role of worrier and to become, instead, a spiritual warrior when things are out of my control:
1) Remember my commander.
God is the one who directs my path. He’s the one with the real control. When I once again look to Him, I can find my way back.
2) Take every impulse to worry captive.
Thoughts of worry and fear can swarm out of control if I let them. Instead, I must capture each one and see it for the lie it is. Worst case scenarios are not a given, no matter how desperate the situation.
3) Put on the armor of God.
My God has promised me protection, and He delivers. He has given me the tools I need to stand strong if only I’ll use them.
4) Use the sword of the Spirit.
By spending time reading the Bible, I have the means of vanquishing troubling thoughts.
5) Keep talking to God.
God is always there, just a prayer away. When I become fearful and refuse to share what I’m feeling with Him, I disconnect myself from the strongest ally I have.
Yes, it’s easy to slip from the role of warrior to worrier, but with God’s helping hand, we can return to the ranks of God’s army and the safety of His loving care.
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