How to Stop Worrying and Start Living part 1

A Message for Leaders and the Marketplace

Introduction

Leadership is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In a world full of pressures and uncertainties, worry can often feel inevitable. However, as leaders, we are called to rise above it—not by ignoring it but by confronting it with faith and intentionality. Let’s explore how to move from worry to peace and lead with clarity and purpose.

Worry: The Silent Strangler

When I first learned that the word “worry” literally means “to strangle,” it stopped me in my tracks. Imagine what happens to our dreams, ambitions, and leadership when we let worry take control. It suffocates our creativity, chokes our confidence, and robs us of the peace we need to lead effectively.

Worry often starts small—a missed deadline, a tense conversation—but if left unchecked, it grows into a mindset that can cripple your ability to dream and take action. It whispers lies like “You’re not good enough” or “What if everything falls apart?” But here’s the truth: worry doesn’t change the outcome; it only robs you of the strength to face it.

"Faith does the hard thing." When we choose faith over fear, we take the first step toward freedom. God’s plan is never to lead us backward but always forward.

Anxiety: The Distraction That Limits Us

While worry strangles us, anxiety distracts us. It pulls us in every direction, scattering our attention and stealing our focus. Anxiety clouds our judgment, making it harder to see opportunities and blessings right in front of us.

The Bible tells us that anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up (Proverbs 12:25). As leaders, we have to choose to focus on what truly matters and trust that God will provide clarity.

Take a moment to ask yourself: What keeps me up at night? What’s stealing my peace? Identifying these worries is the first step to addressing them.

Turning Panic Into Prayer

Here’s a simple truth that’s transformed my leadership: Don’t panic. Pray.

The Apostle Paul gives us the antidote to worry in Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” When anxiety creeps in, take it as a signal to turn your worries over to Him.

Prayer isn’t just a spiritual exercise; it’s a leadership strategy. It helps us shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive one. When we pray, we replace panic with peace and fear with faith.

Exercise:
Write down a specific area of your life where you feel overwhelmed. Now, turn it into a prayer:

God. I need you. I feel anxious about [specific concern]. I give this situation to You and trust that You will guide me through it.

Joy: The Attitude of Strength

Did you know that joy is a choice? The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, told the church in Philippi to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Joy isn’t dependent on circumstances; it’s rooted in our trust in God.

Joy strengthens us as leaders, and it’s contagious. When your team sees you leading with joy, even in challenging times, it inspires confidence and resilience.

Challenge:
This week, take five minutes each day to reflect on three things you’re grateful for. Write them down. At the end of the week, notice how this practice has shifted your mindset and your leadership.

Conclusion: Turning worry into prayer

The Apostle Paul gives us an antidote to worry in Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” When anxiety creeps in, it’s time to shift from panic to prayer.

Prayer is not just a spiritual exercise; it is a powerful tool for leaders. It helps us refocus, shift our burdens to God, and receive His peace. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that we pray first. The peace you carry influences those around you. Leadership isn't about carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders—it’s about trusting God to lead through you.