Key scripture- “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! … And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4,7).

When you are first hit with bad news have you ever found yourself so full of fear you do not know what to do even though you know God’s truth and you believe it?

I have been there too, and when I feel scared, worried, helpless and desperate, I do these two things before I talk to anyone about my problem:

1. I go to a place where I can get alone with God, and I get on my knees and talk to Him about what just happened. I tell Him how I am feeling, that I am afraid, and I feel helpless and worried. Then I start talking to Him about His promises and I go over them with Him. I also go over how much He loves me, that He is right here with me, and that I know that He will never abandon me, and I give Him thanks.

2. I then turn on some praise and worship music. That probably sounds strange, because worship, grief, fear, and anxiety usually don’t go hand-in-hand, but I have learned to practice worshipping God no matter what the circumstances.

God promises us peace that surpasses all understanding in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” But before we get that promise, we have some instruction. Philippians 4:4 is the key that unlocks this peace: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I I will say it again: Rejoice!”

The pivotal moment in your journey will be when you choose to worship God and refuse to bow to fear, anxiety, pain and despair. Even when Satan is telling you “God has abandoned you, and that if He loved you this would not have happened”, instead of caving in to the despair of the looming circumstances, by God’s grace you can take your eyes off of your circumstances and choose to worship Him no matter what, and never bow to those thoughts and the pressures of life.

Worship will transform your fear, grief, worry and anguish into overriding peace. A peace you can not find any other way except when you let the goodness of who God is soothe you. His power will strengthen and comfort you as you realize that you can and will survive the bad news that you just got. Worship will also lift your eyes off of your problem and help you see it from God’s perspective.

If you receive bad news today remember to pray and call out to God, then turn on some praise and worship music and sing to the Lord.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, it means so much to me that the minute that I receive bad news and I am overcome with fear and anxiety I can run to Your throne room as I seek shelter under the shadow of the Most High God. You are such a loving and kind Father. Thank You that prayer and worship changes everything as it restores my perspective. Help me move from viewing my problems as big and You as small to the exact opposite — as I focus my heart and my mind on how BIG my God is. Holy Spirit help me to always remember that nothing catches God by surprise. No matter what I face, I will be courageous, because I know that what You promised us in Your Word WILL happen, not might happen, but WILL happen. I know that You will always rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to Your heavenly kingdom. (2 Timothy 4:18a, NIV). In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

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