Have you ever wondered why worry is such a challenging emotion to stop? I have! 

Let’s talk logistics for a minute. Worry activates the amygdala and shrinks the hippocampus. This prompts a complicated mental pairing of hypervigilance and cloudy memory. It’s like being thrust into a dark cave with no visible exit, no energy to find an exit, and a memory that cannot guarantee the previous existence of an exit. In short, our mind feels stuck! 

A mind that is stuck can easily misinterpret the words of Philippians 4:6 – do not be anxious (worried) about anything – to hear them through a corrective lens. As if God is wagging His finger and scolding: “Snap out of it! Have more faith!!” 

A better interpretation contains a tone of compassion not correction. God understands the good intentions of our worry. He recognizes that worry represents the mental and emotional burdens we bear for loved ones. Time and again Christ lovingly met people in the truth of their burdens. Those encounters were saturated in compassion and invitation. An invitation to trust Him. 

When that trust grows we can begin to practice the fullness of Philippians 4. Shifting our gaze from the object(s) of our worry to the One whose scope of love, mercy, justice, and wisdom exceeds our own. When our gaze shifts our eyes will begin to recognize the evidence of His work in our midst! 

We were never alone. 

Worry tries to suggest we’re the only ones who can solve the problems. But we cannot make rivers out of sand. God can (Isaiah 43:19). 

Shift your gaze. Look for the evidence of His work in your midst. Trust His character. Trust His abilities. Give Him your burden. Every time you’re tempted to take it back, share the heart of your worry and give it back.

Anchored in His strength, our prayer takes on a warrior’s strength. Prayer changes things! 

We will close with a personalized version of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as an example of the intimacy God offers as we pray.

Prayer: God, help me to know you as a trustworthy Dad. And thank you for providing whatever is needed for that trust to grow (healing, knowledge of your true character, etc.)

You know what I am worried about. I now realize that you are the only one who understands everything that is required to make things right.

Teach my eyes to see the truth of your good works.

Thank you that our relationship is not dependent upon me; forgiveness is a free gift.

You’re in charge. My soul is learning to find strength in that.

Scripture:

Lamentations 3:22 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed. For his compassions never fail; they are new every morning.”

Quote:

“If I don’t begin my prayers by becoming more in touch with the reality of who God is, then my prayers are born from reaction to the circumstances around me.” – Tyler Strom

 

Worship Songs: