Worship More and Worry Less: 30 Days of PraiseSample

When worries won’t stop, and you can’t shake the fear of what’s to come. When problem after problem buries your joy, and you find yourself asking, “Where is God?” you, my friend, sit in good company. David felt the same way. But. He wrote a psalm that holds the answer to the question. Woven in the threads of despair and hope, David gives a very important promise of God’s presence residing and reigning in the praises of His people.

But You are holy,

Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

Our fathers trusted in You;

They trusted, and You delivered them.

Psalm 22:3-4 NKJV

The Hebrew word translated as “enthroned” has also been translated in the KJV as “inhabit.” The ancient word’s definitions include “settle and abide.” Think of how God dwelt with the Israelites through the wilderness, guiding them to the Promised Land. As they trusted and worshiped Him and Him only, His presence settled upon them.

Could you use some settling of God’s presence in your life? Do you want to worry less and worship more? Grab your coffee. Light a candle. A pen and journal are not essential, but they always deepen my time with the Lord. Journal prompts are given each day. I hope you can take a few minutes to answer them. Before you start, I want to pray for you. Hold my hand.

“Father, you know how much we worry. You know how hard this world can be. I pray for the hearts and minds reading through this Bible plan to experience your presence as they worship you each day with scripture. You have always been faithful, even when it seemed you weren’t. You’re always present even when we can’t feel you. Make yourself known. Settle in our praises. Dwell with us as we worship you. Silence the worries. We praise you, Oh God. We love you, Jesus. We welcome you, Holy Spirit. Amen and amen."

Journal

Can you hear the anguish in David’s voice as he cries out to God in verses 1 and 2? I’ve been there. When my sister battled cancer, God seemed so far away, but each evening after I kissed her goodnight, I would run outside to watch the sunset paint the sky. It was the place I could worship. It was where I felt His presence. Write your own psalm (just a few verses) of what you’re worried about today, a memory of his faithful presence, and a verse or two of worship.