“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” Psalm 40:3

Worry

I have been dealing with a stressful situation. Phone calls, emails, and lots of time spent on it—but no solution. I was facing a deadline, and feeling the pressure of needing answers. Last night lying in bed, I told the Lord I really needed a breakthrough today. This morning I had it! I was able to speak to the right person, and I had the way forward that I needed. It was SUCH a relief! I am so grateful. God really helped me sort this out!

In the midst of times like this, it’s easy to be frustrated and worry. I try not to worry, but it’s hard. A helpful tool for me is something that the Lord spoke to me over and over again while walking our unexpected journey. It’s very simple: being thankful. Whatever I’m facing, whatever I’m walking through, no matter how hard it is, choosing to express gratitude and be thankful in spite of the circumstances is so important.

Now, having said that, it’s easier said than done! My tendency is definitely to lean into worry. I have to catch myself, and make a conscious effort to not let worry overtake my thoughts. A big help to me when this happens is to start thanking the Lord for all the previous answers to prayer! There are so many. When I remind myself of how God has met me time and time again, it builds faith to help me in whatever new thing I’m facing that is challenging.

It all boils down to what I focus on. Last night as I poured out my heart to the Lord, I asked Him to help me with my thoughts—to help me not dwell on the stressful situation. It’s really important for me to “talk things out with the Lord.” He knows what all I’m thinking anyways—and as I talk it through with Him, it transfers the burden to Him. When I woke up this morning, I was still very aware that I needed a big answer, a solution, but the heaviness of it was gone.

And then He helped bring the breakthrough! I’m so thankful.

Jesus showed us the example of this. When He was heavy hearted about something, He withdrew and spent time with the Father. As I share my worries with the Lord, “with thanksgiving,” it puts the matters in God’s hands. I’m so grateful for how He intervened to help me today!

Father, we place our worries into Your hands. We thank You for all the ways You have worked in the past, and all the ways You will work in our situation. Amen.