A PROVEN WAY TO STOP WORRYING “WHAT IF”: BUT GOD

Are you struggling with “what if” questions today, full of uncertainty and doubt? How do we stop worrying, questioning, agonizing over what will be or not be? BUT GOD. That is the only proven way to end the “what if’s” that plague us.

EXPLORING THE “BUT GOD” CONCEPT

First, let me share my heart with my faithful followers and for those who may be new here AT THE CROSSROADS. I want you to know that it is entirely normal to feel worried, anxious, and stressed during this unprecedented time in history. We are facing unpredictable circumstances, uncertain outcomes, and unknown futures. This is a safe place where we can be real, raw, and honest with our feelings, fears, and frailties.

While I will never claim that I have it all together or know all of the answers, I hope to offer you the grace and truth I have personally found by connecting my faith and my life. My relationship with God is an anchor for my soul during times of doubt, fear, and worry. Humbly confessing I have no wisdom of my own to share, I only can offer you God’s wisdom, praying that it will keep you safe and secure even as you wrestle with the “what if’s” of this turbulent time.

“WHAT IF” QUESTIONS THAT LEAD US TO “BUT GOD“

Most of us routinely ask “what if” questions as part of our reasoning process. These questions can range from simple to serious, depending on our circumstances and temperament.

• What if I am late picking up my kids from school?
• What if I don’t have enough money to pay the bills?
• What if they don’t invite me?
• What if I speak up, and no one listens?
• What if I never achieve my dreams?

Sometimes working through our “what if’s” helps us move forward and make adjustments, but most of these questions have no clear answers. So asking them only adds fuel to the fire of anxiety, doubt, and fear. We find ourselves caught in a negative feedback loop that looks something like this:

NEGATIVE FEEDBACK LOOP AND THE CYCLE OF QUESTIONING GOD

Asking the “what if” question often leads to contemplating worst-case scenarios. As we focus on these dire (and usually unrealistic and overblown) predictions, our worry, fear, and anxiety increase…only leading us to ask more “what if” questions. It is a vicious cycle that shows no mercy.

HOW “BUT GOD” CAN SPEAK TO OUR WORRIES & FEARS

Here is just a simple example of how we can trap ourselves in a negative feedback loop.

“What if” Question: What if things do not return to normal soon? –>

Worst Case Scenario: I will never be able to leave my house again. –>

Worry/Anxiety/Fear: I am trapped and afraid to go out because I could get sick or get in trouble.

“What if” Question: What if I don’t leave and cannot get the things my family needs to survive? –>

And this negative loop goes on and on…with our jobs, our relationships, our financial situations, our physical health, and our mental and emotional stability.

But that is where many of us find ourselves today during this pandemic.

And it is okay. Really. I am right there with you.

But I don’t want to stay stuck there, do you?

“BUT GOD” IS PROVEN WAY TO RELEASE ANXIETY

Can we realistically stop asking these “what if” questions? How do we break the cycle? Is there a way to release worry, fear, and doubt?

We start our questions with “BUT what if…” and the Bible resoundingly and firmly answers: “BUT GOD.”

What does that mean exactly?

It means that we are human, frail, and limited. If this current situation has taught us anything, it is this:

• We are not invincible.
• We do not have all the answers.
• We are not in control.

BUT GOD is powerful, limitless, and all-knowing.

BUT GOD is ultimately in control of the details of our lives as well as the entire cosmic universe.

BUT GOD holds the whole world in His hands.

The entire story of the Bible–of God reaching out to all of humanity with grace and mercy–is summed up in these two words: BUT GOD. It is the hope of the gospel.

BUT GOD is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!).”

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT)

Since the beginning of time, God has been in the business of rescuing us from our “What if” questions. Why would He stop now?

While this time of turmoil and testing may threaten to throw us into a neverending negative feedback loop, we have a proven way to let go and release our worry, doubt, and fear.

BUT GOD.

I encourage you to trust Him to handle these unpredictable circumstances, uncertain outcomes, and unknown futures. He has done it before and will be faithful to do it again.

20 BUT GOD BIBLE VERSES

I encourage you to download and print out the verses below to strengthen your weary heart and remind yourself of God’s steadfast love and mercy. While this is not an exhaustive list, I hope it enables you to replace your “WHAT IF’s” with BUT GOD.

DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE OF BUT GOD SCRIPTURE VERSES

MORE FREE FAITH PRINTABLES

I hope the above list of verses encourages you to turn your worry over to God. And if you are looking for more resources to help you on your faith journey, check out my FREE FAITH PRINTABLES page. You will find downloads to help you with prayer, soul care, and spiritual breakthroughs.