Breaking The Habit Of Worry

We make habits, and our habits make us. Some habits are healthy, such as being wise with time or money. In contrast, other habits can be destructive, like developing a dependency issue or a character flaw. Typically, we limit our understanding of bad habits to alcohol, drugs, or gambling, but destructive patterns are much deeper because those are generally surface problems. See, long before we act foolish, we think in foolish ways. At the heart of every irresponsible action are irrational thoughts rooted in worry. Thus, when we have bad outward habits, look no further than the unhealthy habit of worry, which causes us to make potentially harmful choices.

‌There are reasons for our worry habits, such as our upbringing. If our parents were always negative, we could become worrisome. If we grew up poor, we may worry about money. If there was sickness in the family, we may worry about health. Regardless of how the habit started, we must focus on breaking it because the pattern of worry can be a launching pad, as noted for many more detrimental practices.

‌Jesus taught about worry during his first public message recorded in Matthew's gospel. Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?28 And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:25-34).

‌By God's grace, you can break the habit of worry by holding onto His promise of provision. The days of being a prisoner to your anxiety and fear are over. Break free today by knowing that our heavenly Father is ready to provide for our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.