Worried? Try Worship Instead!

4 Steps to Turn Your Worry into Worship

I have been a "worrier" all my life. It's a label I carried from childhood to adulthood. Now, I still worry, it's not THAT easy to give up, but I consider myself more of a WARRIOR than a worrier. A prayer warrior, of course!

The terms 'worry' and' worship' seem to be at odds with each other. The only way to truly understand how to "turn worry into worship" is to do it. When you do, you'll understand, you will feel the peace it brings. So, here are 4 Steps to turn your worry into worship.

Step 1: Let Go and Let God

Bring Him your worries and fears. It doesn't matter how big or how small. Don't get caught up in all the right words, just call out to Him and pour your heart out. Not only does it create a deeper relationship with God but it's a sense of therapy. You get it out of you and give it to God, who is sovereign over all creation.

Worship is simply the act of focusing on God. When you start to worry about something you need to SAP! SAP which means Stop And Pray. Focusing on God's sovereign power and love will remind you that you're in God's hands and He has everything under control. This doesn't mean that He will give you every answer you want but it will help you to remember that God will work everything out for good in the end. Paul tells us this in Romans 8:28. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Step 2: Understand the Uselessness of Worrying

Jesus himself said in The Sermon on the Mount, "Which of you by worrying can add one single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27). The point He was making is that worry doesn't help the situation in any way. There are some things in this life that are out of our control, but we have a father in heaven who loves us and protects us. Give your worries to Him and focus on the goodness, mercy, justice and boundless grace of your heavenly father.

A few verses later Jesus says (Matthew 6:34), "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." You can worry your heart away and it won't help a thing! It won't change anything. Satan wants you in a state of panic and anxiety! Why? Because it distracts you from God's purpose for your life. It not only doesn't help but it hinders all that God has for you!

Worrying is trying to do things in your power, but your power is measly compared to the Almighty Father in Heaven! You have no control over many things in life! Make a list of things you can control and work on it. Make a list of things you can't control and give it to God!

Step 3: Meditate on the Word

Take it to the Word! God gave us the bible as a life manual. Taking time to meditate on His word will decrease your stress. Try it! Here are some verses to focus on and pray whenever you're worried.

Deuteronomy 31:8 - The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Isaiah 44:8 - Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

2 Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit God gave us does not make u

s timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Psalm 18:30 - As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

Step 4: Pray, Pray, Pray!

I will end with my favorite bible verse which is Philippians 4:6-7. "Do not be anxious for anything, but instead pray about everything. By prayer and petition present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your minds and hearts in Christ Jesus."

Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians, yet it's considered that happiest book in the bible! He was being persecuted for His faith, but he had trust in God's plan for his life. Even when things were not looking good. This is my favorite verse because as someone with terrible anxiety, I truly Stop And Pray when I feel overcome with it. And I truly, truly feel God's peace. I can say without a doubt that God's peace transcends my understanding. It comes over me like a blanket warming my soul! Just try it. Close your eyes and give it to the Lord. You will see the deliverance he will bring you!

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