Introduction: The Pattern of Worry
We’ve had 3 weeks of teaching on the subject of worry.
I hope that many of you are now worrying less than you did at the start of the series.
Worry has become so normal in our culture that we too often accept it as just a part of life.
We say things like, “I’m just a worrier” or
“That’s just how life is.”
But Those of us who follow Jesus Christ and say that He is Lord
have to take seriously His instruction (given more than once) of “do not worry”.
He is saying that worry is a choice, and we have to take action in our lives so that we “Do not worry”.
Romans 12:2 challenges us to think differently:
1. Don’t conform to the world’s way of thinking.
The world normalises worry, but God calls us to trust.
2. Be transformed by renewing your mind.
Worry isn’t just an emotion; it’s a mindset that we can change.
3. Know God’s will. When our minds are renewed, we see life through the lens of His love and provision.
So let’s have one more look at this, in the hope that every single one of us leaves this series worrying less - if at all!
And if you are thinking, “Well that’s gonna happen” you are not following the will of Jesus Christ.
This is serious.
It’s why the New Testament spends a lot of time giving the instruction, “Do not worry”.
Jesus tells us again and again, “Do not worry” - Why?
Because our Father in heaven provides.
We have to TRUST Him, and sit Him in the control seat of our life.
God promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
The world asks, “What if everything falls apart?” but God reassures us, “I hold all things together” (Colossians 1:17).
If we want to break free from worry, we must stop treating it as normal and start replacing it with the unshakable truth of God’s Word.
Renewing Your Mind (Rom 12): The Process of Rewiring
Our minds are shaped by what we repeatedly think.
A neural path is set.
If we allow worry to dominate our thoughts, it becomes our natural response to life’s challenges.
But Romans 12:2 tells us that transformation happens through the renewing of our minds.
This means we don’t have to stay trapped in old patterns of fear and anxiety — we can retrain our thinking to align with God’s truth.
Every time we think a thought, it strengthens a neural pathway.
If we constantly worry, our brains build strong worry pathways.
But our brains can change!
Scientists agree with what the bible teaches – our brain can be rewired – can be renewed.
It’s why in Philippians 4:8, we are told to focus on
“Whatever is true, pure, right, admirable etc . . .
because, if we do that day in and day out, we will train (renew) our mind.
Based on bible teaching, should there be a negative-thinking Christian? NO
So, we already know how to rewire our mind against worry:
It’s swapping negative thoughts for positive ones.
Choose an anxious thought that doesn’t align with God’s truth.
o Example: “I’m always going to struggle in life” and replace it with a positive promise from God’s word
o Truth: “The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1).
Replace the negative with the positive.
And watch the transformation happen in your life.
We don’t just stop worrying — we actively have to replace worry with God’s promises.
o Worry says: “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
o God says: “I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11).
o Worry says: “I have to know all the answers.”
o God says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
I have put together some verses that you can replace your worries with. See sheet of bible promises to conquer worry
Every time a worry creeps in, counter it with Scriptural truth.
Speak God’s Word out loud,
write it down, and
meditate on it until it sinks in.
Work at this.
Repeat Until It Becomes Your New Default neural pathway.
This change takes time; but the more we focus on God’s truth, the weaker the old worry pathways become, and the stronger our trust in God grows.
o When worry comes, don’t entertain it.
Interrupt it!
o Replace anxiety with prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
o Surround yourself with faith-building content — Scripture, worship, godly conversations.
o Practice gratitude. When we thank God daily, it rewires our mind to see His goodness.
(Matthew 14:28-31)
In the storm, Peter stepped out in faith and walked on water toward Jesus.
But when he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, he began to sink.
The moment he allowed worry to dominate, fear took control.
• The storm didn’t change — Peter’s focus did.
• Worry will always pull us under, but faith in Jesus lifts us up.
The key is to fix our minds on Christ rather than our circumstances.
What are you FIXING YOUR MIND ON?
Trusting the Father’s Love and Provision
At the heart of worry is a question: Can I truly trust God?
I said at the beginning of this series, worry happens because we have trust issues . . . in the Lord.
Yet, Romans 8:32 gives us an incredible truth about our Heavenly Father:
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Paul is making a powerful argument:
If God already gave us Jesus, the most precious gift of all, why would He withhold anything else we truly need?
The cross is proof that God is for us, not against us.
It’s one reason we have communion together each month – to remember – to remind ourselves just how much our Heavenly Father loves and cares for us!
Really! He’s got our backs. We can rest in him
Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Conclusion:
Worry is a habit;
it’s a mindset that we can break free from.
Romans 12:2 tells us that when we renew our minds, we are transformed.
That means we don’t have to live trapped in anxious thoughts anymore!
Through Jesus, we are invited into a life of trust, not turmoil.
He didn’t just come to forgive our sins, He came to set us free —
• free from fear,
• free from anxiety, and
• free from the constant pressure of trying to control what is not ours to control.
When we stop conforming to the world’s way of thinking and start seeing life through the lens of God’s love and provision, worry loses its grip on us.
• We don’t have to carry every burden—we can cast them on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
• We don’t have to figure everything out—He directs our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• We don’t have to live in fear—He has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
•
This is freedom!
[p]
Can I ask you something?
Have you put your trust in Jesus Christ?
Do you know him as your Saviour
Do you know Him as Lord –
the One to trust and follow above all the screams of the world?
You can do that – right now!
Becoming a Christian – a follower of Jesus Christ is just a prayer away.
If you want your life to change, and put God’s Son in the driving seat, I’m going to pray, and you can say the words with me.
In fact let’s all repeat the words of this prayer out loud, if you’re comfortable with them.
“Heavenly Father
I believe that you love me
Even though I am far from perfect
You want me
I believe that you sent Your Son, Jesus
To pay on the cross
For my mess
My faults
My sin.
Through Jesus I am free!
From today
I accept Jesus as my Lord
And lay open my life to Your Holy Spirit.
Come into my life now
I give you my worries
I give you my heart
In Jesus’ name
Amen
