Putting faith before worry

Trusting God when fear of the unknown knocks at our door
Worry is one of the most natural reactions of the human heart. We worry about our children, our future, our health, our finances, our relationships... Worry seems normal, but God calls us to something greater: faith.

What is worry?

Worrying is wanting to control what doesn't depend on you.
It means mentally constructing a future that doesn't yet exist.
And very often, it's a form of fear of the unknown.
But Jesus lovingly reminds us:
«So don't worry... Your heavenly Father knows what you need.»
(Matthew 6:25-26)
God knows our needs even before we express them.
It feeds the birds, dresses the flowers...
And we're infinitely more valuable than they are.
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Fear of the unknown: a silent trap
Fear of tomorrow can paralyze today.
It can stifle joy, weaken faith, and distract us from what God is doing right now.
But the Bible says:
«You will keep in perfect peace the one whose heart leans on you.»
(Isaiah 26:3)
God doesn't promise that we'll always know the way...
But He promises to be with us on the way.
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What does the Bible teach us?

God's Word is full of promises for those who struggle with anxiety:
- «Cast all your cares upon him, for he himself cares for you.»
(1 Peter 5:7)
- «Fear not, for I am with you...I strengthen you, I come to your aid.»
(Isaiah 41:10)
- «Do not worry about anything...make your needs known to God...and God's peace will guard your hearts.»
(Philippians 4:6-7)
The Bible doesn't deny difficulties, but it does teach us where to lay them: at the Lord's feet.
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How can we keep the faith and overcome anxiety?

1. Acknowledge your concern before God
Don't hide what you feel. God wants to hear your truth.
The Psalms are filled with prayers of anguish transformed into prayers of trust.
2. Pray regularly (even for a few minutes)
Prayer shifts the gaze:
of the problem → to God.
from fear → to faith.
3. Replace “What if...” with “God said...”.”
Faith is based on a Word, not a hypothesis.
«Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.»
(Matthew 24:35)
4. Live one day at a time
Jesus said:
«All in a day's work.»
(Matthew 6:34)
God gives you grace day by day, not week by week.
5. Surround yourself with people who strengthen your faith
Worry isolates, but faith is activated by contact with other believers.
6. Reread your past victories
If God delivered you yesterday, He'll do it again today.
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Advice for those who live in anxiety
- Take a breath. God is here.
- Talk to God like a friend.
- Entrust to Him what you don't control.
- Read a Psalm before going to sleep (Psalm 27 or 91).
- Declare peace on your house.
- Choose to trust, even if you don't understand everything.
God controls the future. You don't need to know everything, just trust Him.
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An encouraging Bible story: Stone on the water
In Matthew 14, Peter walks on water as long as he keeps his eyes fixed on Jesus.
But as soon as he looks at the wind and the waves... he starts to sink.
Teaching?
It's not the storm that sinks us, it's watching it too long.
Jesus said to him:
«Man of little faith, why did you doubt?»
And He relieves him immediately.
Like Peter, even if you stumble... Jesus catches you.
Always.
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What does the Church say?
The Church teaches that worry is not a sin in itself,
but a signal that we need to anchor ourselves more firmly in faith, prayer and trust.
Peace is not the absence of problems,
but the presence of God in the midst of our problems.
As Jesus said:
«I leave you my peace, I give you my peace...»
(John 14:27)
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Prayer to get out of worry
Eternal Father,
I place all my fears in Your hands,
my worries and thoughts that weigh me down.
Teach me to trust you.
Fill my heart with your peace and strengthen my faith.
I believe that You take care of me.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pasteur Clémentine