There’s no doubt about it, words have power.

Words can be the cause of stress that robs you of your passion, joy and zeal to serve others. That kind of stress can trick us into believing that the grass is greener somewhere else and that no one – where we are at least – will ever appreciate the work we do to encourage and equip people to make much of Jesus.

Worry sweeps into our lives like a dense fog – clouding our vision and making it difficult for us to know what to do, where to turn or if anyone notices us.

When the fog of worry creeps into our lives it brings confusion, isolation and doubt.

Worry is an obsession with controlling circumstances you can’t control or knowing things you can’t know.

Is there harm in pursuing knowledge or asking questions? Surely not! But there are deep spiritual issues with obsessing over control.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORRY AND WONDER

There is a difference between worry and wonder. Wonder is a curiosity of God’s vastness. Worry is an attempt to assume complete control over your outcomes.

If we are honest, we obsess and attempt to control our ministry roles – the numbers, the outcomes, the success.

One of the ways to overcome worry is to remember your root in Jesus Christ. Here are seven verses for you to cling to, wrestle with and be encouraged by this week. Don’t skip over this – spiritual leaders are susceptible to burnout as well. I challenge you to take the seven verses, share them with your spouse or a close friend and commit to meditating over these passages this week.

Here are seven verses to cling to for the next seven days:

Day 1: Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Day 2: Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Day 3: 2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Day 4: Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Day 5: Luke 10:41-42

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Day 6: Hebrews 13:6

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Day 7: John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

CHASE SNYDER is the founder of MINISTRYBUBBLE.COM and serves as a Family Pastor in Knoxville, Tenn. He seeks to live a life that glorifies God and disciples others through their day-to-day lives, and his passion is equipping those in the church to seek those who are outside of it. Check out his writing at MINISTRY BUBBLE or connect with him on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or INSTAGRAM.