Bellevue Christian Counseling Logo

  • ServicesRead about the expertise available
    • Individual ServicesAddress your personal concerns confidentially
      • ADHD
      • Abandonment Issues and Neglect
      • Aging and Geriatric Issues
      • Anger Management
      • Anxiety
      • Autism Spectrum Disorder
      • Bipolar Disorder
      • Chemical Dependency
      • Counseling for Children
      • Counseling for Teens
      • Codependency
      • Depression
      • Eating Disorders
      • EMDR
      • Grief and loss Counseling
      • Individual Counseling
      • Infidelity and Affairs
      • Lifespan Integration Therapy
      • Men’s Issues
      • OCD
      • Personal Development
      • Psychological Testing
      • PTSD
      • Relationship Issues
      • Sex And Porn Addiction
      • Sexual Abuse
      • Spiritual Development
      • Trauma
      • Weight Loss
      • Women’s Issues
    • Christian Couples CounselingWork through challenges together
      • Couples Counseling
      • Premarital Counseling
      • Marriage Counseling
    • Family CounselingEstablish the peaceful home you desire
      • Christian Counseling for Children
        and Teens
      • Family Counseling
    • Group CounselingBenefit from the support of others
      • Men’s Sexual Addiction Recovery
        Group
      • All Counseling Groups
    • Online Counseling
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Marriage Counseling
    • Sex And Porn Addiction
  • LocationsChoose from our variety of office locations
    • Anacortes 1Anacortes
    • Bellevue
    • Bothell 8Bothell
    • Bellevue Christian Counseling 1Edmonds
    • Everett 8Everett
    • Federal Way
    • Kent 2Kent
    • Kirkland Christian CounselingKirkland
    • Lacey Christian CounselingLacey
    •  1Mill Creek
    •  1Monroe
    • Oak Harbor Office OutsideOak Harbor
    • Poulsbo
    •  1Puyallup
    • Redmond 3Redmond
    • Seattle Ballard 6Seattle Ballard
    •  1Seattle Downtown
    • Seattle Greenlake 10Seattle Greenlake
    • Silverdale Office FrontSilverdale
    • Tacoma 6Tacoma
    •  1Spokane
    • Spokane ValleySpokane Valley
    • Vancouver
    •  1Online Counseling
  • CounselorsFind the best counselor for your needs
  • CareersBecome an affiliated Christian counselor
  • (425) 939-6856Please give us a call, we are here to help
header-image

Worry: Thoughts from a Christian Counselor

Bellevue Christian Counseling
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/worry-thoughts-from-a-christian-counselor-4.jpg 3000 2250
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bellevue.jpg
https://bellevuechristiancounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cropped-cropped-seattle-logo.png
330 112th Ave NE, Suite 302
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
United States
330 112th Ave NE, Suite 302
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
United States
Photo of Erik Mildes

Erik Mildes

Dec
2014
10

Worry: Thoughts from a Christian Counselor

Erik Mildes

AnxietyDepressionIndividual CounselingSpiritual Development
HEIDIM 20140525-DSC_8864I hate to admit it but I come from a long line of worriers. My grandmother was a worrier. My mother is a worrier. I have become a worrier.

What can I say? It’s in my blood.

I know firsthand what it’s like to worry. Worries seem to keep my mind busy and focused and yet they don’t accomplish anything. It’s similar to rocking in a rocking chair ̶ worrying gets me nowhere.

Like us if you are enjoying this content.

 

Worrying Makes No Sense for a Christian

1. Worry is totally fruitless.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” asks Jesus. (Matthew 6:27) We cannot add or subtract anything merely by being anxious. If we are preoccupied with worry, how can we accomplish much of anything?

2. Worry is disobedient. 

The Bible is full of commands to:

  • “Fret not.” (Psalm 37)
  • “Fear not.” (Isaiah 41:10)
  • “Let not your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:1)
  • “Be not dismayed.” (Joshua 1:9)

On the contrary, we are called to “Be of good cheer”. (John 16:33)

3. Worry involves taking what does not belong to us. 

Tomorrow is not for us to worry about. We can plan for tomorrow but we are not allowed to worry about it. Jesus knew exactly what He was talking about when he said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

4. Worry means refusing to enjoy the present 

To fully receive the gifts given to us is to enjoy the moment. Often we are so concerned about what has been or what is to come that we cannot enjoy the moment. The present moment is a gift that we must enjoy or we will miss it.

5. Worry is the opposite of trust. 

You simply cannot worry and trust ̶ that is like mixing oil and water. We worry because we are concerned about what will happen. To trust God is to know that He is in control and knows everything. We do not need to worry if we are confident that He is in control and cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)

6. Worry is a waste of time and energy. 

HEIDIM DSCN2525When you direct your time to worry, you waste time and miss the important things in life, including:

  • playing with your child,
  • listening to your spouse,
  • inviting a lonely person to supper,
  • writing a note to someone in need, and
  • praying with thanksgiving.

 

Change Your Worry By Focusing on Christ

We are commanded to have a disciplined mind that focuses on Christ. We find this command when we read the following scriptures.

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. (1 Peter 1:13)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)

Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

The story of Peter in Matthew 14 also shows us the importance of having a disciplined mind and a focus on Christ. In this account, Jesus called Peter out of the boat to walk on the water. Peter had faith to follow Jesus out onto the water, but after taking a few steps he saw his situation and his mind became unfocused. Peter froze with anxiety and worry, and began to sink.

 

How do I Practice a Christ-Centered Focus?

Here are some ways to change your worry into a Christ-centered focus.

  1. Change your thinking. You can do this by acknowledging your fear or the situation you are in and then shifting your focus onto Christ.
  2. Acknowledge God’s power. Turn your worry over to Him. Dig into His word and find His promises. He is faithful and will be there for you.
  3. Do something constructive. Change what you can change and let go of the things that are outside of your control. Let God work out the details.
  4. Take care of yourself. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Practice self-care by exercising, reading a book, taking a break, or talking to a friend.
  5. Learn to Laugh. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good medicine.” Laughter is good for your heart and immune system and relaxes the whole body. Try it.
  6. Practice gratitude. Studies have proven that those who are thankful live longer, happier lives. Start a gratitude journal, write a letter of thankfulness, or go for a gratitude walk. God has given you much to be thankful for if you take the time to look for it.
  7. Seek professional help.

 

A Christian Counselor Can Help You Overcome Worry

Many of us deal with stressful events daily, including conflict, health problems, dangerous situations, death, unmet needs, spiritual problems, and false beliefs. Worrying can account for hours and hours of invaluable time over the span of your lifetime and you will never get this time back. If you would like help breaking free from worry, you may want to consider speaking to a trained Christian counselor who can help you to put the ideas in this article into practice in your life.

 

Photos
“Bubbles,” 20140525-DSC_8864.jpg, by LifeWithZeus, morguefile.com; “Dandelion,” DSCN2525.jpg by pippalou, morguefile.com

  • Share on Facebook
  • Tweet it
  • ↑ Back to top
Photo of Erik Mildes
Erik is currently not accepting new clients

Erik Mildes

Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor
(425) 939-9934 erik@seattlechristiancounseling.com

I believe in the healing, transformative promises of Christ. I also believe in His patience, and have had the privilege of seeing God’s grace work miracles in the lives of my clients. As a Master’s level Mental Health Counselor, I’m honored to act as a vessel for the Lord, one that will help you discover healing and growth. I help people recover from issues like abuse, depression, anxiety, broken relationships, spiritual concerns, and more. Whatever you’re going through, I offer you support, experience, and hope for a new, Christ-filled future. Read more articles by Erik »

Other articles that might interest you...

spacer

spacer

A Christian Counselor Talks about Shame
Photo of Erik Mildes

Erik Mildes

A Christian Counselor Talks about Shame

Shame is one of those emotions that everyone carries and no one likes to talk about. It’s the fear that,...

continue reading »

About Erik

Photo of Erik Mildes

Erik Mildes, MA, LMHC

Licensed Counselor and Clinical Supervisor

I believe in the healing, transformative promises of Christ. I also believe in His patience, and have had the privilege of seeing God’s grace work miracles in the lives of my clients. As a Master’s level Mental Health Counselor, I’m honored to act as a vessel for the Lord, one that will help you discover healing and growth. I help people recover from issues like abuse, depression, anxiety, broken relationships, spiritual concerns, and more. Whatever you’re going through, I offer you support, experience, and hope for a new, Christ-filled future. View Erik's Profile

Recent articles by Erik

  • May 12 · Keeping Your Marriage from Being a Casualty of Porn Addiction
  • Sep 1 · Social Anxiety and the Need to Belong
  • Jun 13 · Understanding Depression
See all articles by Erik »

Related Services

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Individual Counseling
  • Spiritual Development

Erik's Office Locations

  • Photo of the Bothell office

    Bothell

    Washington

    General Office Number

    (425) 939-7959
    10116 Main St,, Suite 204 Bothell, WA 98011

    View Office Details

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Bellevue Christian Counseling Logo
Bellevue Christian Counseling
Professional help with faith-based values
We are an association of professional, independently licensed Christian counselors experienced in helping people of all ages find healing for a wide variety of issues.
© 2023 Bellevue Christian Counseling. All rights reserved.
330 112th Ave NE,, Bellevue, WA 98004. Tel (425) 939-6856.
Facebook Twitter Online Counseling About Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Feel free to contact us!
COVID-19 Service Update: We are still open for business. In office and online counseling is available if needed.