In this week’s episode of Overflow, we learn how to find peace in the midst of our worry.
Louie teaches us, “One of the great rewards of winning the war on worry is that you no longer have to be subject to sleepless nights. That’s not God’s way. He Himself is up throughout the night, so you don’t have to be, and He’s keeping you safe and at peace.”
Louie says, “Our God is a God of peace, and He leads us toward rest if we will let Him.”
How do we let God lead us toward rest?
We fix our gaze on our Heavenly Father.
“I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.” Psalms 16:8-9 NASB1995
When we do this, three things happen:
1. Our heart is glad.
We have a shift in our emotions. We replace fear with the knowledge that God is with us.
2. We rejoice.
Worship displaces worry as praise fills our mouths.
3. Our bodies rest securely.
We rest knowing that God is in control.
Chances are high you have tried this before. If you are like me, in the middle of the struggle, my memory typically fails me.
So what do we do?
Louie says, “Make every effort to make sure He is always at the forefront of your thoughts.”
As we go about this process, we remember that God is Awake, Alert, and Able.
1. Awake:
“…he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalms 121:3-4 NIV
2. Alert:
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Psalms 139:4 NIV
“That means before I have a need that causes me to voice a prayer, God already knows about it. He sees the whole path ahead of me before I even take the next step.”
3. Able:
“Not only is God able, but He is also working on your behalf–whether you see it or not.”
As you prepare to sleep, I encourage you to pray:
“Thank You that You will be awake all night. Thank You that You are watching over all that concerns me. I believe You are able to do exactly what You want to do. I need rest, so I will trust in You.”
“To take this approach is to be rooted in the realization that God is in control–awake, alert, and able 24/7.”
A Grateful Heart
Louie talks about one last weapon in our war on worry: a grateful heart.
According to Louie, scientific research has proven that “gratitude positively affects mental health and reduces the anxiety that leads to worry.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Pay special attention to the phrase “with thanksgiving.”
“Worry causes us to have spiritual amnesia, making us forget that God is the One who has brought us through every trial and difficulty. Gratitude reminds us of His faithfulness, and His faithfulness boosts our confidence no matter the situation.”
Discussion
- What are you grateful for? Take some time to list out every single thing that comes to mind.
- We counter spiritual amnesia by recalling what God has done for us in the past. What has He done for you that you can stand firm upon?
- What is the current soundtrack of your mind? Are you listening to songs of worship or songs of worry? What do they sound like?
