According to Webster’s dictionary, the meaning of worry is “mental distress or agitation resulting from concern, usually for something impending or anticipated.” Yikes! If you ask me, just the definition by itself is enough to stir up anxiety! Mental distress is not a welcome state or a good way to live our lives. Naturally, there are a lot of things that can cause us to worry, but the two primary things that people tend to stress over are health and money. When I say money, I mean our jobs, our business and the things that we really need in life. Then there is our health; it can be our own or that of a family member, but when someone is going through a physical trial, worry is a natural result.

The problem with worry is that it poisons everything. If you’re at a party and you’re worried, the party is not as fun. If you’re in Paris and you’re worried, Paris is not as beautiful. If you’re in church and you’re worried, your worship and connection with God will not be as free. You see, whenever you are preoccupied with something, you are blinded to the good things around you. You can’t have two objects of focus, and when worry is at your forefront, blessings will inevitably fade into the foreground. I believe this is why Jesus repeatedly taught us to train our thoughts and willfully change our focus.  

Friend, one of the many blessings of being in the Kingdom of God is that you have the power to choose what you think about; this is why I encourage you to worship when you are tempted to worry! Instead of focusing on how big your problem is, focus on how big your God is. Lift your eyes to Jesus and focus on His greatness. When you do that, your problems fade, your praise shines, and your spirit is renewed. Isn’t that great news?