So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it. (Matthew 6:27)

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. (Philippians 4:6)

We know we’re not supposed to worry, but how do we stop? I certainly don’t have quick, easy answers, but I encourage you to try these tips to turn worry into prayer.

• Make the load you’re carrying tangible. Each time you begin to worry about something, pick up a small rock (or a large rock, depending on the worry). Slip it into your pocket or purse and carry it with you. Consider whether or not you really want to carry around extra weight all day and adding to the weight day after day. Commit to putting down the weight. God can handle heavy loads.
• Place a rubber band on one wrist, and each time you begin to worry throughout the day, switch it to the other wrist. Notice how many times you switch it throughout the day. Consider the time and effort you could save by giving the worry to God. When you’re ready, fling the rubber band as far as you can. Watch it soar away!
• Consider the issues you tend to worry about most often. Or make a list of what you’re worried about right now. Go outside with a bottle of bubble solution and begin to blow bubbles into the air. As you blow air into the bubbles, reflect on the cares you need to give to God. Watch the bubbles float away or pop. Thank God for taking your cares and handling them how he sees fit.
• Give yourself a worry time out. Sit in a chair and think about all your worries. Don’t hold back. Let your mind swirl with the worries of your life. When you can’t seem to worry any more, get up and go about your day. When you begin to worry about anything again, sit back down in the worry chair. Repeat throughout the day. Consider how worry holds you back from getting done what God intends for you. Are you really willing to commit that much time to worry?
• Journal your cares to God. Write them down, holding nothing back. When you’re sure you’ve recorded all the worries and anxiety you have, shred the piece of paper, committing to let God deal with it all. Then begin a practice of not waiting until there’s a long list. As soon as you begin to worry about something, jot it on a single sticky note and shred it. Practice giving your cares to God as soon as they come to mind.

I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired. (Isaiah 40:31)

Give your worries to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will never let good people down. (Psalm 55:22)

God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan. (Romans 8:28)