Freeways | Part 2: Ways Out of Worrying!

“Increased Vulnerability + Decreased Power = Increased Worry!” – Dr. Edward Hallowell

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
… God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted/tested beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted/tested, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure/overcome it.

#1 – When facing turbulence and uncertainties that trigger worry, remember and refocus on the fact that

Philippian 4:5-6 (NIV)
The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious (worried) about anything …

Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT)

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.

#2 – When facing turbulence and uncertainties that trigger worry, unpack and surrender them in

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Do not be anxious/worried about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

#3 – When facing turbulence and uncertainties that trigger worry, evaluate and elevate your

Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

And now … one final thing. 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.

Proverbs 4:23 (TEV)

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

• • Is this thought true? (Check it out, test everything!)
  • Is this thought honorable? (Is it value-adding or value-diminishing?)
  • Is this thought right? (Just and fair?)
  • Is it pure? (Pure means both morally clean and it fits who I am and the purposes God has for my life?)
  • Is it lovely? (Does it encourage loving attitudes and actions?)
  • Is it admirable, excellent, praiseworthy? (Is it consistent with who I most long to be?)