Two-minute read.
Worry indicates a need for prayer. Any time we start to fret about a situation, we can use it as an opportunity to pray. Considering 92% of what we worry about never happens, turning to the Lord in prayer reminds us not to let the world steal our joy. Worry takes us out of the moment and makes us miss important happenings by focusing on things outside our control. When we bring our anxieties to the Savior, we talk to the One in control, and who will get us through any storms we encounter.
Thanking God for His work in our lives helps us develop an attitude of gratitude. Changing our perspectives, we can trust the Lord’s plan for our lives and the situation, thanking Him in advance for what He will do. Remember, all good gifts come from the Savior. Whatever the Lord allows in our lives, He will work for the good. But we don’t always understand the Creator’s ways.
Having several friends who have lost children, the heartache attached to the losses truly has no words. The owner of the business where I rent space lost her seven-year-old son in a tragic murder-suicide situation. None of the events that occurred that day makes sense. But my friend took her pain and refused to let it define her, determined to bring joy from her son’s brief life. And so she created a business that brings joy to thousands. Local artisans, like me, display their wares and share their passions with others. In all nine locations, her son’s profile picture highlights the sign, Morgan’s presence in each.
My spaces, what I call prayer booths, that help introduce people to Jesus and draw them closer to Him, allow me to share my faith. Merchandising my booth during Christmas a couple of years ago, I felt tired and worn out. A customer saw me working and thanked me for my efforts. Seeing my tired smile, she said words I’ve never forgotten, “You do know you’re bringing joy to people, right?” Her words struck me because I hadn’t thought of it in those terms until she pointed it out to me. And that all happened because a grieving mother refused to let bad come from an already tragic situation. Instead, she chose to spread love and kindness in a world full of hatred.
Turn your worries into prayer. Trust God’s plan, letting it unfold, despite our understanding. Tell the Lord, thank You for the work in your life, and pray instead of worrying, praising Him for all He does and will do.
Journal Questions:
How does worry affect your life?
What happens when you start listing your blessings?
How does prayer strengthen you?
Application:
Gratitude changes how we pray.
