“Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” ― Erma Bombeck
I’ve been reminded of this saying so often in my life I must mumble it in my sleep. Worry – the all consuming, life changing, body morphing, confidence destroying part of our thoughts that causes absolutely nothing to change. At all.
Yet there it is. I’ve struggled with it in my life, only to look back and think, “What was I worried about…?” Even things that I worried on that did happened ended up out of my control anyway.
In Philippians, Paul encourages us not to “worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT) And knowing that God is omniscient (all-knowing), I can’t help but wonder why we bother to pray at all. If God knows the outcome of our lives, the choices we make, the path we will wander down – what good does prayer do?
First and foremost, prayer directs our thoughts to heaven, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We see Jesus in the Gospels pray and the only reason that explains why he must is that he needed to direct his thoughts from earth to heaven. We see Paul commend us to do this in Colossians 3:2.
Prayer causes us to humble ourselves. We begin to find the things we think we have control of, or perhaps will have control of if we worry enough, are completely in God’s hands. That we are His children, therefore we are also in His perfect timing and will.
Prayer reminds us to give thanks. We are so busy dwelling on what we don’t have, what we still need, what has gone wrong, that the many blessings poured on us are often lost. Coming to God in prayer gives us a chance to simply breathe a “Thank you.”
Perhaps a little known part of prayer is the way it can change the constant onslaught of positive thinking we hear time and time again to perspective thinking. Positive thinking too often focuses on us; on our ability to change our thought process to an ideal or outcome we would like to have. It can act as a buffer in facing reality. Perspective thinking takes that focus to Jesus, letting His Word be our mind’s guide. Prayer focuses us again on how any situation, any outcome can be used for the glory of God. Not only the ones we wanted or think equaled happiness.
So while prayer isn’t a way to get what you want, or to become a more “positive” thinker, it’s part of our journey as Christians to draw closer to our Savior. It lets us have that time with Him and start to let go of our worries and begin to pray. Each time a fearful thought enters our minds.
On Sunday my husband (my pastor) 's message title was "Perspective" and the scripture was the parable of the Prodigal Son. While he explored the perspective of all the characters in the parable, he dwelt on The Father. A father who loved both his boys, who divided his property between them and watched one leave to squander his in foreign unclean living and the other grind himself into the ground failing to enjoy his inheritance. The Father kept watch over both. We all know the story, but what Terry said within this message fits so with today's devotion reading. The Father's vision allowed him to see afar and respond. The Holy Spirit within us, if we do not block Him with worry, doubt, or "positive thinking" controls our vision, our hearing so that we forgive before change occurs and encourage as all of you have me today to bring our whole selfs under the perspective of Christ.
Wow…..Just in awe in what God is telling me this was definitely something to meditate on. Praying is such a powerful way to ask God to help us in our everyday life, the bible say in Mathew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest". Sisters I don't know about you but i feel encourage to but my worries and burdens in Jesus
Christ MY LORD AND SAVIOR!!!!! AMEN!!!
Didn't mean to hit the thumbs down button! Sorry. Meant thumbs up!
Yes! How awesome is today's devotion, right?
PERSPECTIVE THINKING. We don't need positive thinking, we need PERSPECTIVE THINKING. That's brilliant. Today's devotion reminds me of Isaiah 26:3, which says, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You."
Perspective thinking: our God is greater, higher, stronger, mighty to save, very present to help, Saviour, Healer, All Sufficient. That puts our issues, our worries, in perspective. Keeping our eyes (and mind) on him brings peace the world just cannot understand. It's amazing.
I admit, I struggle with worry. It has hit me hard to learn that, really, worry is a symptom of doubt – which I should come against in the name of Jesus. Again I pray (as I so often do), Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!
Alas, I do not have a video for today's Psalm (the next one will be for Psalm 130…wait for it, it's going to be a good one), but I do have a bit of a consolation. I had no idea that today's devotion would include Philippians 4:8 in it, but a few years ago I did an acapella vocal arrangement and video for this powerful verse. So, I'll leave you with my "Whatever", and hope it blesses you. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c0kThLLrdM
Beautiful, I needed to hear this today. Thanks and have a blessed day!
I, too, loved the discussion of perspective thinking vs. positive thinking. I have always been a worrier since as long as I can remember. Before school field trips, I would get so worried and nervous that I couldn't sleep at night. My mom had to buy me these little things called "worry dolls," which you put under your pillow at night to "take the worry away." Then, the older I got the more I learned to try and handle my worries, because they can be all-consuming. I turned it into positive thinking. I boast, and those around me do as well, that I am such a "positive thinker," and always see the glass half full. But, today, I was hit with a little reality check that being a positive thinker isn't the end of the road. I need to keep striving for perspective thinking. Not asking, how do I turn this situation around to better fit my life/my goals, etc., but how does God think about this situation? What does the Word say about this?
Such a great reminder….once again, thanks SRT and have a blessed day =)
I love the concept of perspective thinking v. positive thinking. I think sometimes as Christians, it's assumed that we see the world through rose-colored glasses, and therefore, we must be worry free. But I think the goal is to see the world through Christ-colored glasses, having His eyes for people and situations in our lives, making our worries less about ourselves and more about building His kingdom. I'm praying for my heart to be set right and to put on those Christ-colored glasses today.
Christ-colored glasses. the description i've been trying to find for weeks! thank you!
LindaG my heart goes out to you. As Mothers it is so hard not to worry about our children but you are right, we can't control what they do but we can pray. Praying releases the burden from us and lets God carry it for us. He is watching over her and you can pray a hedge of protection around her and that The Lord will help her see the mistakes she is making. Praying for you.
The scripture I opened up to this morning I thought went beautifully with our study and I love it in the NLT version! "Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is." Ephesians 3:18,19.
Thank you hooleywithaz for your post that went along perfect with today as well! Community!
Candacejo that’s the very verse I prayed for my daughter (and my son!)
This spoke to me this morning. I’ve had a difficult weekend because my 23-year-old daughter lashed out at me and said some very hurtful things. I do worry about her choices, behaviors and her salvation. Reality check! No I cannot control her, but I CAN pray. Thank you, Lord. You love our own beloved children infinitely more than we do.
I loved the perspective idea too! I woke up with the verse in my mind: “Remain in me and I will remain in Y.” Fits so well here! Prayer has always been a struggle for me. I sometimes draw a blank on what to pray. Thanks for this reminder of how important prayer is.