Stop Worrying: Elder Bednar Reveals How to Master Emotional Control, Even When You Can’t Control Your Thoughts

In an era saturated with anxiety, stress, and the relentless hum of digital distraction, the script delivered by Elder M. Wheeler Bednar offers a rare and powerful message: you can learn to stop worrying—even when your mind refuses to quiet. Drawing from scriptural truth and enduring spiritual wisdom, Bednar challenges the myth that worrying is inevitable, instead presenting a practical, achievable path to inner peace regardless of internal turmoil.

His teachings, distilled from Church discourses like the insightful PDF titled *Why Can’t You Quit Worrying? Learning to Stop Whether or Not You Can*—emphasize that the act of quitting worry isn’t about suppressing emotions, but about reclaiming sovereignty over one’s response to life’s pressures. Elder Bednar frames the struggle with worry not as a weakness, but as a universal test of faith and resilience.

He acknowledges a fundamental truth: human minds are complex, and the fog of fear, doubt, and anxiety often feels inescapable. Yet, through deliberate spiritual discipline and teacher-given clarity, he insists a transformative shift is not only possible but essential.

At the core of Bednar’s message lies the understanding that worry is not solely within our control—but how we respond to it is.

He reflects, “Worry is a natural human experience, but it does not define our spiritual destiny.” This statement cuts to the heart of why passive hope is insufficient: while we cannot always eliminate troubling thoughts, we retain the power to choose our reaction. The book’s key insight is that mastery over anxiety begins not with eliminating discomfort, but with mastering the mind’s response. This reframing allows individuals to stop fighting an invisible battle and instead focus their energy on healing and growth.

Central to Elder Bednar’s guidance is the concept of purposeful choice. Even when worry persists, he teaches, one can consciously decide to stop struggling against it—not by force, but by redirecting intention. This is not resignation, but active spiritual engagement.

Bednar cites scriptural precedent: “The Lord does not require perfect peace, but perfect trust.” This means that even in the midst of restless thoughts, faith sustains a follower. By recognizing that quitting worry is not about perfection but persistence, individuals liberate themselves from the exhaustion of endless inner combat.

Specific, actionable tools are woven throughout Bednar’s teachings.

He emphasizes daily spiritual routines as foundational: prayer, scripture study, and intentional reflection. These practices anchor the soul, creating internal stability capable of weathering life’s storms. For example, the practice of “quieting the mind through blessing and listening” encourages replacing anxious thoughts with divine communication.

Bednar notes, “When we focus on the peace of the Spirit, our minds begin to tune—even if only for moments—into divine harmony.” This shift does not erase worry overnight but cultivates a steady resistance to despair.

The importance of mental discipline cannot be overstated. Elder Bednar stresses that stopping worry is a gradual process rooted in consistency, not a single breakthrough.

He compares spiritual growth to tending a garden: persistent care yields renewal. Long-term study and meditation on core teachings like Isaiah 26:3—“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you”—reinforce a resilient mindset. These anchors counteract emotional volatility by reminding individuals they are never utterly alone or powerless.

Real-world illustrations from Bednar’s talks show how this principle applies across life’s challenges—whether personal grief, financial stress, or global uncertainty. One powerful example: a widow who, despite deep sorrow, chose each day to display gratitude instead of rumination. By intentionally redirecting her focus, she transformed her inner landscape.

Similarly, young professionals overwhelmed by pressure found renewed clarity after adopting Bednar’s counsel to “quiet the storm by grounding in scripture.” These stories validate the accessibility of spiritual mastery—regardless of past distress.

The psychological underpinnings align with modern insights on cognitive-behavioral habits. Though framed spiritually, the recommendation to “rewire your responses,” challenge negative thought patterns, and practice mindfulness mirrors therapeutic techniques proven effective in reducing anxiety.

Elder Bednar’s authority lends credence: years of leading Church programs underscore the practical, life-changing impact of sustained spiritual discipline. His message transcends religious boundaries, offering a universal blueprint for emotional resilience.

Perhaps most compelling is the understanding that quitting worry is not about denial, but about choosing peace.

Bednar affirms, “We cannot control every thought, but we can choose what we nurture.” This distinction empowers believers to honor their inner lives without being consumed by them. It reframes the struggle not as failure, but as an act of faith—one that, when practiced consistently, builds strength and hope.

In a world that glorifies busyness and constant stimulation, Elder Bednar’s call to stop worrying—when worries persist—is an invitation to reclaim inner sovereignty.

Through intentional spiritual discipline, reframing sorrow as a path to trust, and daily commitment to sacred practices, individuals learn that peace is always within reach, even if fleeting. This enduring truth equips believers to face life’s uncertainties with courage, grounded not in control, but in conscience. Understanding and applying these principles enables a lasting transformation: the peace you seek is not found in silencing worry, but in mastering your soul’s response—exactly what Elder Bednar emphasizes in his profound teaching: You can learn to stop worrying, no matter how deeply the mind struggles.