As we worship the Lord, we release the emotional or mental burden that is weighing us down.
Are you facing challenging circumstances? Are you in need of provision in some area and not sure where it’s going to come from? Many Christians today are dealing with serious hardships. Some have lost their jobs and benefits. Others struggle with critical health problems and live with constant concern about how to add the cost of medicine and doctor visits to simple necessities such as shelter, food and clothing.
There are many things in the world that threaten us. But our biggest enemy–fear–is not “out there.” It is in our own hearts and minds. As fear tightens its grip, we struggle in vain to break free.
God wants us to be totally free from fear. He doesn’t want us to live in torment, and He doesn’t want fear to stop us from confidently doing what He tells us to do.
When we come to a deep understanding of God’s unconditional love for us, we realize He will always take care of everything that concerns us. After all, we were created for His pleasure.
Reading and praying the Word and worshiping and praising God are ways we can fellowship with God as well as wield powerful spiritual weapons against the forces of darkness. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we are at war not with flesh and blood but with the enemy of our souls. We must not be confused about the identity of the enemy in our battles!
Difficult times can bring the temptation to give up and become negative, depressed and angry with God. But the psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105, The Amplified Bible). Whatever concerns you may be battling, the answer can be found in the Word of God.
The Word promises that “God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9). We may not know what to do, but we know the One who does know, and that’s enough. To put it simply–as long as we worship God, He will take care of us!
There is a release that comes through worship. As we worship the Lord, we release the emotional or mental burden that weighs us down. It is swallowed up in the awesomeness of God. When we keep our eyes on Him, stand firm in faith, continue to worship and hold fast a good confession, we will always see His plan for our lives work out for our good.
When God promised Abraham an heir from his own body, Abraham stood in faith, believing what God had said despite his “impossible” situation (see Gen. 12-13; 15-18; 21). The Bible says he was “physically as good as dead” (Heb. 11:12).
But Abraham just kept praising and giving glory to God. As he did so, his faith grew strong, and ultimately God fulfilled His promise.
This same theme is repeated throughout God’s Word: Worship wins the battle! Satan knows how dangerous we are with a heart full of faith. Worrying is an indication that we are not trusting in and fellowshiping with the Lord.
I remember a morning when I sat down in the chair I prayed in each day. I began to worry about whatever my current situation was and to consider what I was going to do about it.
Suddenly I heard that still, small voice inside my spirit say, “Joyce, are you going to fellowship with your problem or with Me?” God was more than willing to handle my problem if I was willing to forget it and spend time with Him.
Remember to worship, not to worry. Regardless of the difficulties you face, just keep praising God and giving Him glory. Faith will rise in your heart, and you will overcome.
Worshiping is actually fun and energizing, but worry makes our hearts heavy and causes a loss of joy.
Do you want to be sure all your needs will be met? Then start worshiping God. The Bible says there is no lack for those who truly worship the Lord with godly fear. Oh, worship and magnify the Lord with me! If God is for us, who can be against us?
