Explore 10 effective strategies to conquer worry during Lent. Strengthen your faith and find comfort in Christ’s presence.
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, renewal, and drawing closer to God. Many people give up things like chocolate, coffee, or social media, but what if this Lent, you decided to give up something that weighs heavily on your heart—worry?
Worry is something we all struggle with. Whether it’s finances, health, relationships, or the future, anxiety creeps in and steals our peace. Fear can consume our thoughts, but Scripture calls us to cast our cares on God and trust in His plans. The Bible repeatedly tells us to trust God instead of worrying. Jesus Himself said:
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25, 27, NIV)
So, what if this Lent, instead of just giving up a favorite food, you decided to give up the habit of worry? Here are ten ways to banish worry during this Lenten season.
Table of Contents
Give Up Worry for Lent: 40 Days to Finding Peace in Jesus
1. Start Your Day with Surrender
Each morning presents a fresh opportunity to trust God. Instead of reaching for your phone or immediately thinking about your to-do list, start with a prayer of surrender.
Rather than beginning the day burdened with worries, we can choose to start by relinquishing our control to God. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:34, ‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’ We acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives by giving our concerns to God first thing in the morning.
Practical Example:
Try saying:
“Lord, today I give You my worries. I trust that whatever happens, You are in control. Help me to rest in Your peace.”
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
When you start your day acknowledging that God is in charge, it shifts your focus from problems to peace.
2. Fast from Negative Thoughts
Many of our worries come from negative self-talk and worst-case-scenario thinking. This Lent, commit to fasting from those thoughts.
Negative thinking often fuels worry, leading to unnecessary stress and anguish. The Bible encourages us to focus our minds on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Instead of dwelling on worst-case scenarios, we can train ourselves to replace negativity with faith in God’s provision and goodness.
Practical Example:
Each time you catch yourself thinking, “What if everything goes wrong?”, replace it with:
“God is with me. I can handle whatever comes because He strengthens me.”
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
By replacing fearful thoughts with faith-filled ones, you can transform your mindset.
3. Write Down Your Worries and Pray Over Them
Sometimes, we hold onto worries because we keep them bottled up. Instead of letting them consume you, write them down and pray over them.
Writing down worries helps bring them into perspective. When we record our concerns and lift them in prayer, we shift the focus from fear to faith. Prayer transforms our worries into opportunities to trust in God’s plan.
Practical Example:
Create a “Worry Journal”. Every time something stresses you out, write it down, then pray and release it to God. Later, look back and see how He worked in those situations.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
God wants us to bring our concerns to Him instead of carrying them alone.
4. Take a Break from the News & Social Media
Many of us fuel our anxiety by constantly consuming bad news or comparing ourselves to others on social media. This Lent, try a news and social media fast to help reduce unnecessary trauma.
Constant exposure to negative news and social media comparisons can make one feel restless. Taking intentional breaks from media allows space for God’s peace to replace worldly distractions.
Practical Example:
Instead of checking the news first thing in the morning, read a Bible verse. Instead of scrolling through Instagram before bed, listen to a worship song.
A great Bible verse that aligns with this idea is Isaiah 26:3:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
This verse emphasizes that when we focus on God rather than superficial chaos, He fills us with His serenity. Letting go of outside noise makes more room for God’s voice.
5. Meditate on God’s Promises
God’s Word is full of promises that combat worry. When we meditate on Scripture, our fears shrink, and our faith grows.
The Bible is full of promises that reassure us of God’s faithfulness. Meditating on verses such as Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,’ helps strengthen our trust in God’s provision and care.
Practical Example:
Write one promise of God on a sticky note each day and place it where you’ll see it—on your mirror, car dashboard, or fridge.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
When anxiety creeps in, speak God’s promises aloud to replace fear with faith.
6. Trust God with Your Finances
Money is a common source of worry. Instead of stressing about finances, practice generosity and trust that God will provide.
The Scripture encourages us to seek God first rather than stress about material needs. Trusting in God’s provision allows us to live with greater peace and kindness.
Practical Example:
Try giving to someone in need during Lent. You could buy groceries for a struggling family, tip generously, or donate to a cause.
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
When you give freely, you remind yourself that God is your provider.
7. Replace Complaints with Gratitude
Worry often comes from focusing on what’s wrong. Gratitude shifts our perspective to what’s right.
A heart of gratitude diminishes worry. When we focus on blessings rather than burdens, our perspective shifts. Choosing gratitude fosters contentment and trust in God’s plan.
Practical Example:
Each night, write down three things you’re grateful for—even on hard days. Gratitude rewires your brain to see blessings instead of burdens.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
A grateful heart has less room for worry.
8. Focus on Serving Others
One of the best ways to stop worrying about yourself is to help someone else.
Worry often keeps us self-focused, but when we shift our attention to helping others, our anxieties decrease. Serving others reminds us that God is in control and uses us as vessels for His love.
Practical Example:
During Lent, commit to one act of kindness per day—a kind note, a phone call, or volunteering. Shifting your focus outward helps you stop dwelling on your own problems.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
When you bless others, your own stress fades into the background.
9. Surrender Control
At the root of worry is often a desire to control things. But the truth is, we’re not in control—God is.
At its core, worry often stems from the desire to control situations. However, Proverbs 3:5 reminds us, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.’ Letting go of control and trusting God’s greater wisdom brings peace and freedom.
Practical Example:
Each time you feel anxious, pray:
“Lord, I trust You. I surrender this situation to You. Have Your way.”
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Trusting in God brings stability and tranquility, even in difficult times. Letting go is freeing—because God’s plans are always better than ours.
10. Remember That God is Always With You
The ultimate reason we don’t have to worry is that we are never alone. God is with us, guiding, protecting, and loving us.
One of the greatest antidotes to worry is the assurance that God never leaves us. Hebrews 13:5 states, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ Knowing that we are held in God’s hands allows us to release our fears and trust His divine care over our lives.
Practical Example:
Whenever fear arises, whisper:
“God is with me. I am not alone.”
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
God’s presence brings strength and support. No matter what happens, God is holding you in His hands.
Final Thoughts: Living a Worry-Free Lent
Giving up worry for Lent is not about ignoring problems—it’s about trusting God instead of carrying the burden alone.
To Recap, Here’s How to Give Up Worry for Lent:
- Start Your Day with Surrender
- Fast from Negative Thoughts
- Write Down Your Worries and Pray Over Them
- Take a Break from the News & Social Media
- Meditate on God’s Promises
- Trust God with Your Finances
- Replace Complaints with Gratitude
- Focus on Serving Others
- Surrender Control
- Remember That God is Always With You
This Lent, let’s release our anxieties to God and experience His perfect peace. Instead of a season of stress, let’s make it a season of trust and renewal.
Worry is a heavy burden, but God invites us to lay it down. By giving up worry for Lent, we embrace deeper faith in God, allowing His serenity to replace our anxieties. As we focus on surrender, gratitude, and faith, we step into the abundant life He desires for us.
Are you ready to give up worry?
Our articles on Lent will help you understand the need for God’s presence in your lives and use this season as a time of repenting, sobriety, refocusing, and renewing. Practice prayer, observe fasting, give up something, and assist those in need.
