Replace Worry with C.A.R.E.
by Annie Yorty ©2022
The other day, Alyssa told me her food plans for the next three days. I quoted, as I often do, a favorite Bible verse about not worrying about what we eat. I reminded her that she has never missed a meal in all her years on earth. God is faithful. “Mom,” she explained, “I worry because I care.” I laughed. But isn’t it better to replace worry with C.A.R.E.?
Worry
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs (Luke 12:29-30 NLT).
God doesn’t worry, but He does know and care about your needs.
We can all find something to worry about. Problems, from petty to significant, abound. The weather won’t cooperate with our plans. The car makes an unusual noise. Google says my baby should be crawling and she’s not. Can’t I wring my hands about financial problems? And the daughter addicted to drugs? What about my friend’s husband stricken with end-stage cancer—doesn’t at least that merit worry?
A while back, an older and wiser friend in my Sunday school class said she sometimes feels guilty for not worrying about people because she does, indeed, care about their situation. I think my friend felt pressure from an expectation to fret as an outward sign of care.
“I just know I can’t do anything about their problems myself,” she said. “All I can do is trust God to take care of them.”
Her words prompted me to think. Doesn’t trust in our powerful God demonstrate care better than impotent worry?
4 Ways to Replace Worry with C.A.R.E.
We can replace worry with care demonstrated by actions based on complete trust in God.
Call on God
Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory (Psalm 50:15 NLT).
We’re conditioned to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. But shouldn’t our first call in times of trouble be to God? He is a just a breath away in any situation. Pray to God every time your mind bogs down in worry—either for yourself or others—about everything. He faithfully rescues and provides for all our needs.
Doesn’t trust in our powerful God demonstrate care better than impotent worry? Click To TweetAssist
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon (Isaiah 58:10 NLT).
Maybe you heard the story of the boy throwing dying starfish from the sand back into the ocean where they belong. A man came along and mocked him because he could only save a few of the thousands of starfish on the beach. But the boy declared the importance of saving just one.
The needs you worry about may be so great you don’t know what difference you could possibly make. In fact, there might be nothing you can do. But if God leads you to help, even in just a small way, stepping out in trust to intervene shows you care.
Read and Obey the Bible
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6 NLT).
Studying God’s Word may not initially seem to be a way to replace worry with care toward others. But when you think more broadly, you will realize that God fills you with wisdom from His powerful word, which is living and active. His revelation equips you to know what to say and how to care in difficult and worrisome situations.
God’s Word answers every question we ask and every problem we face. His wisdom never grows obsolete. When God shows us His will, we must commit to obey. Otherwise, anything we say rings hollow and insincere.
Encourage
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near (Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT).
Hope combats worry. When consumed with worry, we have either forgotten the promises of God or our faith in Him has weakened under pressure. One of the best ways we can encourage others and ourselves is with hope-filled Bible verses. Ask God to guide you to verses that speak into the situation causing the worry. Then share the encouragement verbally or write a note, text, or email.
For some, the encouragement of a small, thoughtful gift bolsters flagging spirits and turns hearts back to trusting God. Others may begin to see beyond the worry when you share specifically how you see God working in and through them.
Your worry is not a sign of true care.
Instead, your deep and abiding trust in our kind and powerful heavenly Father will display genuine caring. Whenever you find anxiety lurking in your mind and heart, remember to replace worry with C.A.R.E. (Follow the link to my Facebook page to download this reminder of C.A.R.E.)
Join the conversation:
Would you share a time when worry fell short but C.A.R.E. provided just what was needed?
I welcome your comments!
16 Comments
J.D. Wininger
Loved your acrostic Ms. Annie. Too often, we say we “Care”, but we should put our words into action to show not tell (did you pick up on that writing adage there). Wonderful way for us to remember to do just that. God’s blessings ma’am.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, J.D. You always add something useful to the conversation. I’m glad you found the acrostic to be useful. P.S. Great writing tip!
Katherine Pasour
Such a helpful post, Annie. It’s hard not to worry, even when Scripture tells us clearly that our Lord is in charge and worry is unnecessary. I confess, though, I’m still working on it! Your C.A.R.E. strategies are right on target. Thank you! In the past, I read the story of the starfisher saver to my students who planned to be teacher, always with the reminder that they, as teachers, could make a positive difference in the lives of students, all their students and the “one.”
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Katherine. I am also most definitely a work in process. I ask God to help me see the reality of Him over the false feelings my heart often pushes into my line of sight. It’s a daily battle.
Nancy Elizabeth Head
Thank you, Annie, for this word of encouragement. I especially love ASSIST. When we help others, it encourages us. God bless!
Annie Yorty
Nancy, I appreciate your visit and your encouragement. Blessings!
Barbara Latta
One of my favorite Scriptures about worry and fear is Philippians 4:6-7. Whenever I find worry attacking my mind I quote this to myself over and over until my mind finally gets it. God can take care of everything that comes against me. I do like your acronym for CARE. Thanks, Annie.
Annie Yorty
That’s a great verse to remember, Barbara. Thank you for adding your strategy to our toolbox to combat worry.
Jeannie Waters
Annie, I enjoyed your lead-in and the powerful truths you included. Years ago, I worried for months about a relative’s problems and tried to solve them. When I completely let go and asked God to intervene, He did. I’ll be forever grateful. Sometimes He tells us something to do, and at other times, we are to pray and wait. Following a plan like your CARE plan keeps our focus on Him.
Annie Yorty
I’ve experienced that too, Jeannie. We need to be led by the Holy Spirit in all we do. Our own minds are limited, yet we sometimes believe we have all the answers. Nevertheless, God is faithful!
Yvonne Morgan
What a wonderful acrostic and so easy to remember. Each time I hear or think about the word “CARE” I will remember your encouragement. Thanks Annie.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Yvonne. I’m glad you found it to be helpful. Blessings!
Jennifer
I needed this before I start a new Lyme treatment. Thank you.
Annie Yorty
Jen, I’m glad it helped, and I want you to know you’re in my prayers. Chronic disease can be discouraging, but I trust God is giving you His strength and healing.
Martin johnson
Great post, I like the accronym.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Martin. Blessings!