Worry? Me? I had thought worry was a thing of the past—that is until a friend sent me a Bible study on the subject. As I looked up verses, one truly convicted me.
So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 AMP
Instead of focusing on today, too often lately my mind obsesses about what might happen in the future. I’ve been calling this care and concern. The truth is it’s worry.
One definition of worry that describes what I’ve been going through is, “a disquieted uneasiness of mind, an anxious apprehension concerning an impending or anticipated situation.”
When I let anxious “what will happen tomorrow?” thoughts take over my mind, I can’t enjoy the present, and I’m robbed of strength to deal with troubles that come my way today.
Lately I thought I was worn out by not enough sleep and working long hours, but I’m realizing how much worry wearies the soul—even worries about minor matters.
This week as I’ve contemplated the issue of worry, God brought to mind an antidote.
The cure for worry is worship.
One source defined worship as “showing reverence and gratitude to God.” If I am busy doing that, even if worries are attempting to plague me, they melt away.
On the way home from work today, as thoughts about what might happen to loved ones in the future once again came to mind, I started to sing a worship song—“How Great Is Our God” by Chris Tomlin. Then I noticed how magnificent the clouds looked. I lifted up the God who created them rather than letting worry drag me down. Within minutes I felt a peace that God who has the power to create the universe and all the beauty in nature has everything under control.
With the Lord’s help I’m determined to spend less time worrying and more time worshiping the God who holds tomorrow in His hands.
How about you? Are you willing to let worries dissolve as you worship the God whose name is above any worry you can name?
Hearts Set Free Blog 
Excellent; well said!
Great! Thank you for your words of truth!
I experienced this very thing last night. I took our dog for a walk last night and for the first time in a while I took my ipod with me. I cried as I sang along with songs (they all talked about who I was in Christ and how important I am to Him) the cares melted and my fears collided with my faith. I was overwhelmed.
Thanks for sharing. You paint a vivid picture with your words.
Today is yesterday’s gift, and though I took a lighter approach to worry when I married – my dear husband’s nature is to worry, I figured I’d let him do the worrying as he was so good at it – I remind myself each day how lucky I am and how blessed my life is. I did succumb several weeks ago to intense angst as I anticipated five days, joined at the hip, with my 87 y/o father as I took him on a nostalgia tour of the Michigan towns where he grew up and was educated. I realized I could only change my responses to his usual criticism and rage and prayed mightily for patience and, when I ran out, for strength to find more patience. Of course these prayers were answered in spades and not only did my father have a wonderful, joyful time (and with me!), I had a good time and my evening prayers of thanksgiving included praise for the seldom-felt joy I was able to give my father. Yes, give up the worry for worship and praise.
Elaine,
Great Blog! I really needed this gentle reminder today. Your thoughts resonate with all that we’ve experienced with my husband’s and my financial reversals.
Praise is one of the secret weapons to becoming an overcomer…
Let’s get the word out to everyone!
(I also love the picture you chose for your blogsite. I look forward to seeing it every time).
Thanks Elaine, old patterns are so easy to slip back into. Love the insight and reminder that worry by any other name is still worry. Keep writing you such a Blessing!