CHOOSING Worship Over Worry By Sara Scott McDowell

The most searched for a Bible verse online last year was Philippians 4:6. This verse starts with, “Do not be anxious about anything.”

Now, it comes as no surprise to me that this was the most searched for verse when you consider that last year was an election year, and that on top of all the other fun things that were going on in the world and in our individual lives, anxieties were high. And this year, already, based on what I'm experiencing, on what I'm hearing from family and friends, it's already another anxiety filled year for many people. Philippians 4:6 continues with, “But in everything by prayer and supplication, make your request before the Lord.” ​

​Now, both prayers and supplications are responses of our acts of worship. This scripture is literally inviting us to redirect a pivot, trying to teach us to respond to our anxieties and our fears, not by…

…simply sitting in the worry, but by choosing instead to worship God. And worship is not only singing at church or in the car, it's not only music based. It is simply our response and devotion to our amazing and great God. 

Now, this absolutely includes things like singing, clapping, but also kneeling, crying, praying, surrendering and reading, absorbing and doing what god's word instructs us to do. 

Okay, what about you, friend? When you start to get anxious, what's your initial response? What do you do to try and manage it? 

I will be honest with you. I am a worrier, so my initial response is to just worry more. Let's just sit in this moment of fear and panic. I have to be very intentional to surrender whatever it is to the Lord, to redirect my attention to him. 

But what do you do? Do you work out? Maybe you put yourself in time out for a few minutes. Mom's in the audience. You know what I mean? Maybe you turn to a glass of wine, or you sit and watch hours of your favorite show. 

But today, I want to encourage you, to encourage all of us, to remind all of us to first lead our anxious hearts and minds, lead our entire selves in worship. And you can do it right now. 

Wherever you are in your car, on your run, as you sit at your computer drinking your coffee, simply shift your focus to Jesus. Choose to be present. Choose to remember that his presence is always with you. Acknowledge his goodness. Let the remembrance of who he is keep you in awe and worship of him, because God and God alone is the focus and the object of our worship.

I truly believe that when we have our eyes fixed on him, those anxieties, those fears, those worries, more often than not, simply fade into the background. These little acts of worship throughout the day aren't that little at all. Are they? They add up to what equals that life of worship, that life of surrender, moment by moment, hour by hour, not just saying that we need a savior, not just understanding our need for a savior, but truly living our lives in worship and awe and love of him. ​

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This blog was written by professional vocalist, coach and worship leader, Sara Scott McDowell. Sara’s mission is to teach as many Worship Leaders and Worship Singers as she can how to sing better and safer with the long term in mind. She is a wife and the proud mom to two little boys. Follow Sara for free vocal tips and spiritual wisdom at @sarascottmcdowell and www.sarascottmcdowell.com.
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