HOW TO TURN WORRY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

When people are overwhelmed by worry, they usually feel uneasy or overly concerned about a situation or problem. With excessive worrying, their mind and body go into overdrive as they constantly focus on 'what next might happen to them.' For instance, a sick person may give up too soon due to worry and fear, and not really because of the sickness.

As a child of God, if you find yourself worrying, learn to turn it to your advantage because the Word of God tells you how. You can create favourable circumstances that increase the chances of wellbeing, success and victory, by acting on the verse below.

Reference: Philippians 4:6 New Living Translation (NLT) 'Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done'.

Do not worry about anything means that worry is a 'sin of the mind'. It is not accepted in Christ. Well, it's comfortable to say, 'When in challenging times, like it is in today's world - or maybe in seasons like this, you have two choices: Either you worry or worship. But the Scripture says, 'you don't have both choices to act on. You only have one option in Christ, which is - Do not worry about anything, switch to prayer, praise or worship'.

Now if worry as a Christian, you're not going to pray and praise God and that means, you're not doing the Word. If you're worshipping, you can't worry. However, if you're worried, you can convert it to your advantage by praying about the cause, telling God how you feel and what you need, and thanking Him for all He has done. That way, worry will be far from you.

Have you ever been listening to a radio station, and all of a sudden, you switch to another frequency? The switchover will bring a change in the source of radio entertainment, for example - switching from FM to AM. The switchover will also change your mood and adjust your hearing to a different story or entertainment under the new frequency. Same way, when you entertain negative feelings due to worry, be smart, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and switch to prayer, praises and worship. The switch will pattern your mood to experience the glory of God.

Beloved, the antidote to worry is prayer, praise and worship. Prayer denotes fellowshipping and communing with God. Praise and worship entail being thankful to God for who He is and for all He has done. When we hear the phrase 'praise and worship', what comes to mind is music. Music often produces beauty of form, harmony, and sound and its more entertaining when played with instruments that have vocal effect. However you can always sing spiritual songs and make music in your heart to the Lord. This is particularly mentioned in Ephesians 5:19 which tells us to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, and making music to the Lord (NLT).

As Christians, praise and worship is designed as the main part of our lifestyle. It can create an atmosphere of miracle. One of the great stories in the Bible where worrying situation was converted advantageously is found in the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles. Three enemy nations: the Moabites, Ammonites, and Moabites, ganged up on King Jehoshaphat. The king received a report that they were on their way to fight the nation of Israel. The odds were three nations against one. Instead of worrying, Jehoshaphat chose to speak to God about it (2 Chronicles 20:3 NCV).

Jehoshaphat's first reaction was fear, but he quickly switched to another frequency - praying about it and asking God for guidance. The king could have let his worry persist, discourage him, or cause him to give up. But, instead, he converted it to prayer and allowed himself to be motivated to worship and praise. That way, God gave him the victory (2 Chronicles 20:22-29 NLT). When worry knocks on your door, choose to pray, praise and worship God, instead of worry. He always hears and responds in your favour.

Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 17:7-8; Isaiah 35:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:4; Luke 12:22; 1 John 4:18.

Exuberant Declaration: I have unwavering confidence and trust in God and I'm strengthened and energized by the Spirit of God each time I pray, sing and worship the Lord. Thus there's no room for worry; I always triumph gloriously in all areas of life. The Holy Spirit is mightily at work in me, and He's made me more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!