Turning Worry into Worship

Remember what it was like when you first learned how to drive a car? You were so excited, but then you got behind the wheel and realized there were so many things to remember.

When you’re coming to a turn, for example, you have to remember to signal your turn. Then you have to remember to turn the signal off afterward. But once you’ve driven for a while, you don’t even think about these things because you’ve developed a conditioned reflex.

A conditioned reflex is something we’ve learned to do. On the other hand, a natural reflex is something we feel immediately without being told that we should feel it. For instance, if I put my hand close to a fire, I’ll immediately pull it back because it’s hot and hurts. That’s a natural reflex.

Now let’s apply this to worry. We need to develop a conditioned reflex and get into the habit of turning to God when we feel worried. When trouble comes our way, and it will, our first inclination—our natural reflex, if you will—is to worry.

We need to teach ourselves to pray instead. The moment you start to panic, turn your panic into prayer. Turn your worry into worship. Turn to God immediately.

That is what the apostle Paul was saying when he wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV).

We pray about the big things, but let’s not forget about the little things. Little problems can turn into big problems, especially if we neglect them.

Maybe you’ve thought, “I can handle this, and it will never be a problem for me.” But then one day you realize it’s a big problem. Little things turn into big things. So, the next time you’re tempted to worry, pray instead.