Step 5: Flee Temptation
In practical terms, certain situations can “give you an excuse” to worry. So take active steps to prevent returning to your bad habits of the past.
- Focus on your relationship with God.
In your personal devotional time, focus on God as your provider and sanctuary. Use the power of praise and thankfulness to bolster your faith in Him.
- Latch on to God’s promises.
Many passages in Scripture speak of God’s care for us. Search out ones that give you the most comfort and confidence, then commit them to memory. Here is one to memorize:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Establish safeguards.
Take practical steps to cut off common sources of temptation. These should be strategies tailor-made for you, but here are some examples to get you started thinking:
• If you begin to feel discouraged, rehearse in your mind the victories that God has given you in the past.
• If you are feeling fearful about tasks you need to accomplish, break it down into small steps and take them one at a time.
• If you are prone to nervousness, learn to meditate on God.
• Ask a trusted Christian friend to hold you accountable to not worry or fear so much.
- Expect victory.
God has promised to always take care of you, and He will. Believe that He will enable you to beat the worry habit and build a stronger faith.
