Worry Less and Worship More

Worry Less and Worship more. 

My devotional this morning has these exact words. As I stared at them again, I found so much comfort but also conviction. 

I’ve been wrestling with grief. About a month ago, the losses of last year hit me. Hard. Knocked me down. Then, last month, another loss. Last week, another loss. I’ve felt defeated. 

It’s amazing what God shows you while reading His word. When I was reading today’s devotional and Bible reading in Joshua (5:13-15), God brought to mind a memory from this summer. Amid one of the hardest seasons our family has endured thus far, I worshiped God more than I I’ve ever worshiped Him. I prayed, praised, and trusted with my whole heart. 

I’m not sure when it happened, maybe through the first holiday season without our loved one, or through a special trip we had planned with them and still went on, noticeably feeling that empty space where they should have been. Somewhere along the way, my sorrow took over. I have slipped away from worship and have embraced worry as an old friend. My focus had shifted from how wonderful my God is to how much we have had to endure in a year.  

“I need to pause, lift my eyes to the One willing to meet me in the midst of my fears and worship Him. Worshipping not only because it honors Him, but also because it changes me. Worship might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we feel overwhelmed, but it truly is powerful. It reminds our trembling hearts and shaky knees that our God is mighty, our God is loving, and our God is a more-than-able God. It both quiets us and strengthens us — perfectly preparing our hearts and minds for whatever battles lie ahead.” (Lysa Terkurst)

It continues to amaze me how much God loves us and wants the best for us. Our ABBA. So loving and gentle but corrective and guiding. He wants us to lean on Him and trust Him. In sorrow and rejoicing we are to set our attention to Him. In the middle of the storm that we just can’t seem to brave, we are to hold to our steadfast anchor.

Today, I’m singing His praises in worship and focusing on my steadfast Abba! The storms of life will rage around me but I will keep my eyes on the Lord.

 Psalm 121 (NIV) 

 1 I lift my eyes to the mountains—
     where does my help come from?
 2 My help comes from the Lord,
     the Maker of heaven and earth.
  
 3 He will not let your foot slip—
     he who watches over you will not slumber;
 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
     will neither slumber nor sleep.
  
 5 The Lord watches over you—
     the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
 6 the sun will not harm you by day,
     nor the moon by night.
  
 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
     he will watch over your life;
 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
     both now and forevermore.