Worry & Complaining

At the Heart of the Gospel is the Message That You Can Change

We are living in a time when there is an epidemic of worrying and complaining that is crippling all of us.
When you look at the life of Jesus it looks like He knew something about this--the worry and complaining. Jesus was fully human. He encountered all the things that we encounter. Scripture shows Him in very real tough situations where He has these same impulses and He has to make choices. We see Jesus interacting in His thought life with the potential of ideas that would be harmful to Him and His purposes and instead we see Him choose not to go in the direction of that idea.
Jesus had an idea that was planted there by the enemy of our soul, He entertained an idea and did a different thing and that’s what is available to you too. Jesus invited scripture into those moments and so can you.

You Can Decide What to Set Your Mind On

God created our minds to learn and to be filled enough with Him in a way to flourish to know we are stuck. We’re not victims of whatever habitual things that have led us up to our current way of life. There is a way of functioning that you can open yourself up to a new path or a new thought.
Periodically throughout scripture we are encouraged to choose to place your mind on God. When you’re feeling worried choose to place your mind on God. In that very moment, God begins to protect you from all those worries. He will keep you in perfect peace even if the circumstances around you are incredibly painful and hard.

Take Your Thoughts Godward

When you set your mind on God you are taking an intentional step to mindful, and clinging to hope in the middle of the pain. This is a way to require your brain. Below are some practical things to think about to help guide you as you take your thoughts Godward.
  • I can learn to think about what I am thinking about (mindfulness)
  • I can learn to “Set My Mind” on God
  • I can choose to have complaints become a trigger for gratitude
  • I can choose to have worry become a trigger for breath prayer.
Breath Prayer
A breath prayer is a simple prayer that you can pray as easy and as often as you breath. Below are few to try out, or maybe create one of your own that feels right for you.
“Jesus I belong to you.”
“Lord have mercy.”

Prayer

God, I bring my request in my troubles before you and thank you that you invite me to bring these to you in this time. Today I am grateful for the promise in your Word that you will respond to my request with guardianship over my mind. I desire that peace. Lord, help train me to bring my troubles, my worries to you as often as I experience the temptation of worry and complaining. Bring protection to my headspace today and always, Lord, where your peace comes in to guard my heart. Amen

Supporting Scripture

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-3 | NIV

By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
2 Peter 1:3 | NLT

Worry weighs a person down.
Proverbs 12:25 | NLT

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 | NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. …..And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9 | NIV

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:25-34 | NLT

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

YouVersion App Bible Reading Plans

Consider going deeper by committing to one of the Bible Reading Plans below.
Wiping Out Worry (4-Day Plan)
Overcoming Worry (4-Day Plan)
Why Worry? (6-Day Plan)

Additional Resources

Books by Mindy Caliguire

About Guest Speaker, Mindy Caliguire
Mindy is the co-founder and president of Soul Care, a spiritual formation ministry that exists to increase “soul health” in the Body of Christ. She serves in executive leadership at Gloo (www.gloo.us), and prior to that served as Director of Transformation Ministry for the Willow Creek Association (WCA). She speaks and advises organizations including Spire, Stadia Church Planting, Salvation Army, and Compassion International.

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