Steadfast Through PsalmsSample

Shaping Worries into Prayers

The word fret in Psalm 37:1 is the Hebrew charah, which means “to be kindled.” When we fret, we are kindling a fire. It may be a fire of anxiety or anger, but we are kindling and nursing that fire just the same.

David used prayer to put out fires in his mind before they got out of control and took over his actions. We can do the same by choosing wisely which thoughts we feed. Are we feeding anger or anxiety by what we focus on? How can you feed your thoughts more productively?

That word fret brings to mind Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns." Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

This is how we replace the anxious thoughts instead of just willing them to go away: we turn our focus back to God. Instead of worrying, pray.

We can always take our thoughts to God for help and let Him speak to them. There are days I need to do this over and over and over, and God has never turned me away. Instead of kindling my thoughts with all the things that might happen, I lead them to the one sure thing: God.

Let God help shape your worries into prayers and experience the peace of His presence the moment you call on Him. We have this choice. We can list praises instead of worries. Which one will you choose to focus on today?

Thank You, God, that I can trust You. I need not fret. Thank You that Your Word helps me put out that fire by affirming that when I trust You and commit my way to You, You will act. I can be still and wait for You; I don’t have to strive and battle myself. God, keep showing me how my emotions can fuel so many of my actions. Let prayer be my immediate reaction. You will fight for me. You uphold the righteous. You know my days and my heritage will remain forever. Establish my steps, and thank You that if I fall, You hold my hand. In Jesus’ name, amen.