Change Worry to Worship by Asking God for Help

In review of Philippians 4:6 it says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” (NLT)

Imagine never worrying about anything! It seems like an impossibility; I have worries on the job, in the home and in our culture. But Paul's advice is to turn our worries into prayers. If I want to worry less, then I need to pray more! When I start to worry, stop and pray. God's peace is different from the world's peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. My citizenship in Christ's Kingdom is sure, my destiny is set, and I can have victory over sin. Let God's peace guard my heart against anxiety.

I have days when nothing seems to go right. The kind when the odds are stacked against me, I’m overwhelmed, and I wonder if I should just give up and go back to bed? When I have a day like this, or maybe even a year, I have two choices: I can worry, or I can worship.

I won’t be able to do both. If I’m worrying, I’m not going to worship. If I’m worshiping, I’m not going to worry.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (NLT).

The antidote to worry is worship; to pray, to praise God, and to ask him for what it is I need.

When many people hear the word “worship,” they think of music. Music is one way to worship. But worship really is an entire lifestyle. Every aspect of my life can be an act of worship to God.

Three enemy nations, the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, ganged up on King Jehoshaphat. The king received a report that they were on their way to fight the nation of Israel.

The odds were three nations against one. But, instead of worrying, Jehoshaphat chose to worship by asking God for help: “Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he decided to ask the LORD what to do” (2 Chronicles 20:3 NCV).

His first reaction was fear, and considering the odds, this fear was reasonable. The king could have let his fear intimidate him, discourage him, or cause him to give up. But, instead, Jehoshaphat let his fear motivate him to worship through prayer.

And he didn’t do it alone. He gathered others to pray with him: “The country of Judah united in seeking GOD’s help—they came from all the cities of Judah to pray to GOD” (2 Chronicles 20:4 The Message).  

I may never see a day when three nations were united in war against me. But I have had days when the odds were not in my favor. And I will again. When impossible days come, choose to worship God by asking him to help. He will always hear and respond.

In summary, don't worry, instead pray. Turn what worries me into prayers. When I start to worry, stop and pray. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence or conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. My citizenship in the Kingdom is sure and my destiny is set. I can have victory over sin and let God's peace guard my heart against anxiety. When nothing is going right, I have two choices: worry or worship. I won't be able to do both. Pray and praise God. Ask him for what I need. Worship is more than music, it's every aspect of my lifestyle. So when impossible days come, choose to worship God by asking him to help. He will always hear and respond.

I do have days when I feel overwhelmed and so many things are needed from me all at the same time. Instead of worrying, I need to stop and worship. Then ask him for his help. This morning Father I pray that you and your Spirit will remind me when worry starts to cross my mind. Help me turn to you in praise for what you have already done and will do, and then ask you for help. I also ask for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my tasks and my leadership. Help myself and my team to accomplish and work toward eliminating the deficiencies. I pray these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.