One of the absolute worst things about worry is that it makes us feel alone. It convinces us that we must handle our situation ourselves, that no one is there to help us, and we are going to face our worrisome situations alone. This is a lie. We are never alone. God is with us every day.
So many passages of Scripture combat the lie that we are alone in the situations of our lives. One of those passages is Psalm 55. In this Psalm, David cried out to God in prayer. He said, "I am overwhelmed by my troubles" (verse 2). He certainly had troubles. He had enemies surrounding and threatening him to the point where he felt his life was at risk. Certainly, David was worried. He was chased by those in power. He lived in the wilderness, depending on God for everything. However, in his struggle with anxiety, he was able to overcome it.
I am convinced that one of the reasons that his worries did not overcome David was because he knew he was not alone. He knew God was with him, and Psalm 55 is just one example of David's confidence in God's presence. Because he knew he was not alone, David turned his worrisome thoughts to God. "I will call on God, David wrote, "and the Lord will rescue me" (verse 16). He then continued in his prayer, "Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you" (verse 22). Centuries later, Jesus issued a similar calling in Matthew 11 when He said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (verse 28). Jesus offers rest and peace for all who are weighed down by worry. In times where worries wage war against our minds, He offers His very presence.
What worries are weighing you down today? Take those to God. You do not have to carry them alone. He will take those burdensome worries from you and even carry them for you. When you feel worried, turn to Him.
Often when worry floods our minds, we need the reminder that we are not alone. Music is one way to help us tell our hearts what our minds need to hear. God is with us all the time, even in the fire. Listen to the Sagebrush Music Cover "Another in the Fire." As you listen, sing the words loudly. Claim the truth in these words.
Listen to my prayer, O God.
Do not ignore my cry for help!
Please listen and answer me,
for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.
My enemies shout at me,
making loud and wicked threats.
They bring trouble on me
and angrily hunt me down.
My heart pounds in my chest.
The terror of death assaults me.
Fear and trembling overwhelm me,
and I can’t stop shaking.
Oh, that I had wings like a dove;
then I would fly away and rest!
I would fly far away
to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude
How quickly I would escape—
far from this wild storm of hatred.
Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans,
for I see violence and conflict in the city.
Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders,
but the real danger is wickedness within the city.
Everything is falling apart;
threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
It is not an enemy who taunts me—
I could bear that.
It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—
I could have hidden from them.
Instead, it is you—my equal,
my companion and close friend.
What good fellowship we once enjoyed
as we walked together to the house of God.
Let death stalk my enemies;
let the grave swallow them alive,
for evil makes its home within them.
But I will call on God,
and the Lord will rescue me.
Morning, noon, and night
I cry out in my distress,
and the Lord hears my voice.
He ransoms me and keeps me safe
from the battle waged against me,
though many still oppose me.
God, who has ruled forever,
will hear me and humble them. Interlude
For my enemies refuse to change their ways;
they do not fear God.
As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;
he broke his promises.
His words are as smooth as butter,
but in his heart is war.
His words are as soothing as lotion,
but underneath are daggers!
Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
But you, O God, will send the wicked
down to the pit of destruction.
Murderers and liars will die young,
but I am trusting you to save me.
