Why do we rationalize worry?
In their book, Why Worry? Conquering a Common Inclination, authors James R. Beck and David T. Moore say, “Worry is a small trickle of fear that meanders through the mind until it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.”
What a perfect picture of worry!
Much of our thinking involves what we say in our heads but never speak aloud.
So, many of our worry patterns are based on common misbeliefs or assumptions that simply are not true.
So, if you want to conquer the worry habit, you must learn to monitor these unspoken voices, silencing them with the truth.
To find freedom from your worry, repeat in your mind these words of Jesus: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Rationalizations of Worriers
Common rationalizations worriers use to justify their anxiousness include:
- Rationalization: “I feel sure that what I’m worried about will happen.”
The Truth: “Most of what we worry about rarely or never happens.”
God’s Truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5–6.
- Rationalization: “It makes sense to worry because terrible things happen to me all the time.”
The Truth: “Looking back, I can see that terrible things have rarely happened to me.”
God’s Truth: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation”. Isaiah 12:2
- Rationalization: “Worry helps to prepare me for what might happen.”
The Truth: “The future is in God’s hands, so there’s no reason for me to worry about this.”
God’s Truth: “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you”. Psalm 37:5
- Rationalization: “If I worry about this, then maybe I can keep it from happening.”
The Truth: “I do not control the future, God does, and I can trust His plan for my life.”
God’s Truth: “‘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
- Rationalization: “Worrying is better than doing nothing about it.”
The Truth: “Spending inordinate amounts of time worrying accomplishes nothing.”
God’s Truth: “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge”. Psalm 62:8
Do you need more help navigating worry in your life?
The above excerpt is from the Keys for Living on Worry: The Joy Stealer.
Find the help you need today, and bring the joy back into your life!
Note: Some content in this article is from the Women of Faith Keys for Living Worry E--book .
To buy the e-book or Quick Study Guide on Worry, click here.
