Titus 2 Christian HomeKeeper ™

Worry to Worship

Gas prices are up, home heating prices are up, taxes are up, the cost of living is up! Perhaps the only thing going down is holiday spirit! Have you wondered and worried about the price of Christmas? Are you feeling less than content? I am sure you are not alone. Philippians chapter 4 holds the key to turning our holiday worry to holiday worship!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:4-5) In the midst of our trials and sufferings we can rejoice in the Lord. We can count our blessings. There is so much for which to be thankful. Jesus came to Earth. The God-man walked among us to bring salvation. Through faith in Him, we have a rich inheritance that cannot rot, rust or spoil awaiting us in Heaven! That’s great news! We have hope. We have a relationship with God. He is near to us, comforting us, providing for us, keeping watch over us as a tender shepherd cares for his sheep. When we rejoice in the midst of suffering, we are saying that we trust Him and what He is doing in our lives.

In the midst of our trials and sufferings we can rejoice in the Lord. We can count our blessings. There is so much for which to be thankful. Jesus came to Earth. The God-man walked among us to bring salvation. Through faith in Him, we have a rich inheritance that cannot rot, rust or spoil awaiting us in Heaven! That’s great news! We have hope. We have a relationship with God. He is near to us, comforting us, providing for us, keeping watch over us as a tender shepherd cares for his sheep. When we rejoice in the midst of suffering, we are saying that we trust Him and what He is doing in our lives. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6) God does not want His children to struggle with anxiety. He wants His children to bring our concerns to Him and trust Him to provide. I have met women who think that they are not to bring their own troubles to Jesus. They think that praying for ones self is selfish. This is not a biblical idea. Those who think such things are being deceived. Scripture is very clear that we are to bring our requests to our God with thanksgiving. Thanking Him before the answer comes is another statement of trust in Him.

God does not want His children to struggle with anxiety. He wants His children to bring our concerns to Him and trust Him to provide. I have met women who think that they are not to bring their own troubles to Jesus. They think that praying for ones self is selfish. This is not a biblical idea. Those who think such things are being deceived. Scripture is very clear that we are to bring our requests to our God with thanksgiving. Thanking Him before the answer comes is another statement of trust in Him.“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7) Peace is the opposite of anxiety. Once our trial is left in God’s hands, we can have the peace that the only one who is truly in control and able to help is on the job! He never slumbers, neither does He sleep. We are left peace of mind and heart. We put off worry and put on peace.

Peace is the opposite of anxiety. Once our trial is left in God’s hands, we can have the peace that the only one who is truly in control and able to help is on the job! He never slumbers, neither does He sleep. We are left peace of mind and heart. We put off worry and put on peace.“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Phil 4:8) Have you ever had a night when you couldn’t sleep because your troubles were racing around and around your head? Once we have given our trial to the Lord with rejoicing and thanksgiving, we need to refuse to think on it. Phil. 4:8 gives us a litmus test for what types of thoughts on which we are to focus. Our thoughts ought to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Focusing on the Word of God is an excellent resource for such thoughts. Pull out the Bible and begin reading, sing praise and worship songs and you will notice the difference that focusing on the right kind of thoughts bring.

Have you ever had a night when you couldn’t sleep because your troubles were racing around and around your head? Once we have given our trial to the Lord with rejoicing and thanksgiving, we need to refuse to think on it. Phil. 4:8 gives us a litmus test for what types of thoughts on which we are to focus. Our thoughts ought to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Focusing on the Word of God is an excellent resource for such thoughts. Pull out the Bible and begin reading, sing praise and worship songs and you will notice the difference that focusing on the right kind of thoughts bring.“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:9) So how do we change our normal pattern of handling our worries? How do we make this our new pattern. The answer is: practice, practice, practice! Write these verses out, commit them to your mind and heart (and perhaps even your memory!), put them in use. Over time you will find it become more of a natural habit.

So how do we change our normal pattern of handling our worries? How do we make this our new pattern. The answer is: practice, practice, practice! Write these verses out, commit them to your mind and heart (and perhaps even your memory!), put them in use. Over time you will find it become more of a natural habit.As we come upon the Christmas holiday season let us remember that our God wants this to be a time of joy. He understands that we are weak and given to anxiety. But if we allow Him, He can help us turn our fear into rejoicing and our worry into worship. May you truly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with joy this Christmas season!

Praise Him!

Karen Twombly

(You can reach Karen at Karen@t2chk.org )