Worrying Steals Your Energy for Growth
By Pastor Steven T. Morrow
In the world of business, we often push forward with every ounce of energy, aiming to expand, succeed, and make an impact. But there’s one habit that, if left unchecked, can subtly erode our progress: worry. Worrying doesn’t help you grow; it only drains your energy. In fact, worry steals the very energy needed for growth.
Every minute spent worrying about business, finances, or the future is a minute lost—time that could have been invested in building, strategizing, or innovating. Worry directs our focus to fears, uncertainties, and the endless “what-ifs” rather than toward the constructive actions that propel us toward success. Here’s how we can address this challenge with timeless biblical wisdom to cultivate a mindset that resists worry and embraces peace, productivity, and growth.
1. Don’t Let Worry Distract You From Purpose (Matthew 6:25-27)
In Matthew, Jesus offers profound advice: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” His message is not to stop planning or working but to avoid being consumed by anxiety over every detail. Worry can distract us from purpose and rob us of peace.
In business, focusing on every possible outcome or potential loss is not only exhausting but also ineffective. Instead, channel that energy toward productive actions: develop your product, refine your strategy, connect with clients, and innovate. Just as the birds don’t stress over every meal, let your efforts be driven by purpose—not by fear of scarcity or failure. Trust that just as God provides for them, He is also aware of your needs and able to provide for you.
2. Replace Anxiety with Prayer and a Growth Mindset (Philippians 4:6-7)
In Philippians, Paul provides practical advice: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Paul isn’t merely suggesting we stop worrying; he offers a way to replace anxiety. Instead of being consumed by worry, bring your concerns to God in prayer. When you begin your day with prayer or moments of gratitude throughout the day, you invite peace into your mind and heart.
In business, adopting this attitude can transform how you face challenges. Suppose you’re launching a new product or entering a competitive market. Instead of dwelling on what could go wrong, ask for wisdom and guidance, trusting that God’s peace will guard your mind and bring clarity. Worry narrows our focus, while prayer opens our minds to creative solutions and opportunities for growth.
3. Cast Your Anxieties on God (1 Peter 5:7)
One of the most comforting verses on worry comes from Peter, who encourages us to “cast all your anxiety on [God] because He cares for you.” Imagine worry as a weight you’ve been carrying alone. Peter’s advice is to let go of that burden and place it in God’s hands. Why? Because we were never meant to carry it alone. God cares deeply for us and is invested in our well-being and success.
This doesn’t mean we avoid responsibility or ignore issues. Instead, it’s a call to shift our perspective. When tempted to worry about cash flow, competition, or customer feedback, we can choose to trust that God is with us and that our efforts are not in vain. Casting our worries on God frees us to focus on what we do best—growing, innovating, and building relationships.
Cultivating a Growth-Focused Mindset
Worry does nothing to fuel growth; it only drains our energy and narrows our vision. If you want to see your business flourish, consider adopting a mindset that values peace and perspective over worry and fear. Here are a few practical steps to help cultivate this mindset:
Start Your Day with Intentional Peace: Begin each day with a moment of prayer or reflection, asking for peace and wisdom to guide your decisions.
Focus on What You Can Control: Invest your energy in actions you can take and the value you can add, rather than worrying about hypothetical outcomes you can’t control.
Practice Gratitude for Every Win: Large or small, recognize every positive outcome as a step forward and celebrate it. Gratitude replaces anxiety with confidence and momentum.
Let Go of the Rest: Release the need to control every outcome. Trust that your efforts, combined with God’s guidance, are enough.
Worry may be tempting, especially in the face of business challenges, but remember that it serves no purpose except to sap the energy you could be using to build, create, and grow. By choosing to trust, focus, and release anxieties to God, you free yourself to work with passion and vision. After all, a mind at peace is a mind that’s free to think, create, and lead.
So let go of worry, embrace peace, and allow your energy to drive growth rather than fuel anxiety.
