“I think you’re addicted to worrying,” my husband Nick stated plainly one evening after I unleashed a verbal torrent of all the worst-case scenarios running on repeat in my head.
As I reflected on his words, I came to a disturbing conclusion: he was right. From health and finances to relationships and work performance, I tended to worry about anything and everything. Desperate to change, I eagerly sought Scripture that focused on worrying.
In Philippians, Paul encourages us not to worry about anything but to present our requests to God through prayer. Reading these words, I recognized that prayer could effectively solve my addiction to worrying. Instead of worrying about anything and everything, I thought, I could initiate the habit of praying about anything and everything.
Every time a worry or fear clouded my mind, I lifted it to God in prayer. When anxiety surrounding my mom’s upcoming surgery flooded my conscience, I transformed the worry into prayer: “Thank You, God, for taking care of my mom during her procedure and for directing the surgeon’s hands.”
When anxiety about covering the cost of an unexpected veterinary bill surfaced, I traded the anxiety for prayer: “Thank You, God, that You are my provider and will meet all my needs as I trust in You.”
As I increasingly exchanged my worrying for praying, I enjoyed peace in my heart. I also remembered to harbor a heart of gratitude toward God in my prayers. Deliberately choosing thankfulness helped me remember all the times God had been faithful before, strengthening and reinforcing my faith.
Do I still battle anxious thoughts? Absolutely. But I know that as I work daily to exchange my worries for prayers and practice thankfulness in all things, I entrust my anxieties and concerns to God. In exchange, He gifts me a peace that transcends all understanding. Hopefully, in time, Nick will notice that what was once an addiction to worrying has transformed into an addiction to prayer.
Think of ways you can exchange worrying for praying.
Emily Marszalek enjoys the simple pleasures in life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Nick and their two Goldendoodles, Charlie and Lucy. She loves jigsaw puzzles, animals, rock music, and all flavors of birthday cake.