Introduction: The Weight of Worry
Life is full of ups and downs, and all too often we find ourselves consumed with worry—especially over things we cannot control. Is this something you struggle with?
This is the first article in a new series called Principles of Living, where we explore everyday challenges through a biblical lens. In this piece, we’ll learn how to overcome worry from a Christian perspective, using the Word of God as our foundation.
Why Do We Worry So Much?
As human beings, we are naturally prone to worry. Paul warns us in Philippians 4:6–7 not to be anxious. Jesus also cautions us:
“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life.” — Luke 21:34
Worry can be triggered by everyday needs—like food, housing, or finances—or by deeper fears, such as illness, loss, or uncertainty. Even in recent years, events like the global COVID-19 pandemic caused anxiety for millions.
“Worry is feeling uneasy or being overly concerned about a situation or problem.” — WebMD
Worry weighs us down, both mentally and physically. It can lead to anxiety disorders, stress-related illness, and even spiritual distraction.
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” — Proverbs 12:25
When we let worry dominate our lives, we lose focus on what truly matters—just like Martha in Luke 10:41–42, who was “worried and upset about many things,” while Jesus reminded her that only one thing was truly important.
The Two Kinds of Worry
Before we learn how to manage worry biblically, let’s break it down into two categories:
- Worry caused by things we cannot control
- Worry caused by things we can control
1. Worry About What We Cannot Control
Worry is often the result of a troubled heart or mind. Proverbs 13:12 tells us:
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.”
When we worry about what we cannot control, HOPE becomes our anchor. It gives us strength to press on. When hope is lost, our hearts grow even more anxious.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31
Even a simple encouraging word can lift a troubled heart (Proverbs 12:25). But ultimately, God is our true source of hope.
Hope Leads to Faith, and Faith Leads to Peace
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for…” — Hebrews 11:1
Hope gives birth to faith, and faith leads us into a place of peace—a peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Jesus connects worry with a lack of faith in Luke 12:28, when He says:
“You of little faith!”
When we trust God, we can cast our worries on Him:
- “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
- “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you.” — Psalm 55:22
A Picture of Trust: The Tree in Drought
When we trust God fully—even in difficult times—we become like the tree in Jeremiah 17:7–8:
“…like a tree planted by water… not anxious in the year of drought… and does not cease to bear fruit.”
But let’s be honest—it’s not easy to live with this kind of hope, especially for those of us who like to be in control. Still, what choice do we have? Worry won’t fix anything.
“Say to those with anxious hearts, ‘Be strong; do not fear!’” — Isaiah 35:4
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
When life feels out of control, we must seek God (Jeremiah 29:13) and hand over our troubles. Hope in God will give us faith, and faith will produce peace, confidence, and strength.
2. Worry About What We Can Control
Here’s the shift: If your worry is about something you can control, you don’t need more faith—you need action.
I call this “actionable faith”: faith followed by obedience and effort.
For example, worrying about unemployment won’t get you a job. But updating your CV, applying, networking, and improving your skills might.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” — Ecclesiastes 9:10
James puts it this way:
“What good is it… if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” — James 2:14
A Word from the Dalai Lama
“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it’s not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” — Dalai Lama
Whether the issue is fixable or not, worry doesn’t help. What matters is taking action where we can and trusting God where we can’t.
Conclusion: Replace Worry with Hope and Action
We should cast all our cares—whether within or beyond our control—on God.
- For what we cannot control → We place our hope in God, trusting in His plan and peace.
- For what we can control → We take action, guided by faith, knowing that God orders our steps (Psalm 37:23).
Let your faith produce action where needed, and let your hope produce peace where action is not possible.
“If we eagerly seek God and cast our worry on Him, our hope will produce faith, and in return, the faith will produce strength, confidence and a positive mindset to sustain us.”