Digging Deeper to Uproot Worry
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Photo by Guillaume Bolduc on Unsplash
Sometimes, try as I might, peace eludes me. I do all the things that usually help ease worries: thankfulness, deep breathing, journaling, planning, praying, reading the Bible, making sure I’m getting enough rest and exercise…But like a stubborn dandelion, the worry keeps popping up.
Times like these, I find I need to dig deeper by asking, "What is the root of this worry? What exactly am I afraid of?"
When I can identify what’s going on under the surface, I am better able to target the source of the problem. I might find that, at its core, my worry has to do with doubt about God’s provision or perhaps an unhealed, inaccurate belief about my value as a person.
Whatever it is, after I’ve dug down to the root of the worry and have a better understanding of what’s going on in my soul and spirit, I do a little more digging—but now it’s God’s word I dive into.
Digging into God’s Word
All the Bible is beneficial and full of truth, but to gain peace, sometimes we have to find God’s promises and provisions that speak directly to our need.
Think of it like this. Imagine you’re starving and you tell a friend, “I’m so hungry, and I’m so afraid that I’m not going to find enough to eat!” And they respond, “Don’t worry, I have some really warm clothes I can give you—a big parka, snow pants, boots—and also, look, the sun is coming out, it’s going to warm up out here soon.”
You’re friend just pointed out some really good, wonderful things to be thankful for. But because they didn’t address your specific fear/need, their words probably won’t ease your fears about getting food.
I think it’s often the same for us spiritually.
Finding things to be thankful for and reading the Bible in general are encouraging, important, and vital. But when I’m worried, often what is most effective for soothing my soul are the parts of God’s word that speak to my particular need.
So as I read, I ask God to reveal the truth I need to hear in order to find peace for my situation. Sometimes He’ll show me something right away, other times it comes later as I go about my day.
A couple weeks ago as I was wrestling with one particular fear, I happened upon a bundle of papers on which I’d written a bunch of verses addressing various aspects of my life, including the problem I was worried about. As I read through them, it was such a relief to be reminded that God has a solution for everything that matters to me.
I also noticed that certain verses were particularly calming. I rewrote these ones in my journal and have been spending extra time with them.
Dandelion Grade Perseverance
When worries keep popping up, one of the best things I know to do is to keep on keeping on. Just as it takes time to rid a yard of dandelions, it can take time to root out and address all the underlying issues that contribute to worry.
I continue to bring my heart before God, talk to Him about what I’m concerned about, dig into His word, and persist in re-directing my mind from the worries to His truth.
Sometimes we need additional help, like prayer with a friend or pastor or maybe counseling to address deeper issues. I think the important thing is to just keep the communication open with God and trust Him to guide us to what we need to return to peace. That and dandelion grade perseverance and commitment to believe that God is who He says He is, that He loves us, and He always keeps His promises.
Whatever you’re going through this week, I hope this encourages you. You are not alone, and you are in my prayers!
With love,
Meditate
"May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love..."
Ephesians 3:17, TLB
Your turn
How has God helped you overcome worry? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
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P.S.
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