Worry, worship and the mountain-moving God

The Bible, as well as being a sacred repository of wisdom, contains many stories that hinge on choice. From the Garden of Eden’s pivotal moment (Genesis 3:6) to Joshua’s resolute declaration of serving God (Joshua 24:16), choices are the thread that weaves the tapestry of our lives. In the current context of escalating cost-of-living pressures faced by Australians, New Zealanders and the rest of the world, this article explores a choice framed by two “Ws”—worship and worry.

In Australian sports history, Anna Meares emerges as an inspiring figure, illustrating triumph over anxiety. A decorated Australian cyclist, her journey encountered a critical crossroads when a harrowing crash left her with a broken neck. Fuelled by anxiety and fear, Meares grappled with the haunting “what if” thoughts, contemplating the grim consequences of a clean break.

In her anxiety, her coach offered a wide perspective, prompting her to shift from “what if” to “what is”. This shift, focusing on the reality of the present, changed Meares’ outlook. Embracing gratitude for the slim margin that saved her life, she rekindled her determination and eventually secured a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.

what if?

In the reality of our daily lives, we are bombarded with a relentless stream of “what if” thoughts that revolve around the ever-increasing cost of living. Concerns about meeting mortgage payments, maintaining job security and safeguarding our health consume our minds. This persistent worry and uncertainty increases our anxiety levels as we grapple with the “what if” of not being able to afford crucial expenses like housing, healthcare, education and even basic necessities. The pressure to keep up with rising costs breeds a sense of inadequacy and the constant dread of falling behind further intensifies anxiety. Conversely, anxiety itself can contribute to financial strain as it hampers productivity, job performance and our ability to make wise decisions, thereby hindering our ability to attain stable employment and financial wellbeing.

According to Beyond Blue, anxiety is the most prevalent mental health condition, affecting one in four individuals. The ongoing strain of constant worry gradually erodes our energy, vitality and joy, highlighting the critical importance of the conscious choice between worship and worry.

the choice between worship and worry

Drawing parallels with Anna Meares’ shift from “what if” to “what is”, the Bible encourages us to constantly rejoice in the Lord. If you’re not a person of faith, this may be difficult. Try it anyway—what do you have to lose? By making worship a focal point, we anchor our thoughts in the tangible reality of God’s presence and faithfulness. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).This call to rejoice isn’t contingent on circumstances—it is an unwavering declaration to find joy in the Lord, irrespective of external pressures.

Do not be anxious about anything—direct and unwavering, this command challenges us to forget about worry. It emphasises that anxiety serves no purpose and directs us to focus on God’s providence. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25).

Paul also encourages us to pray. The ACTS prayer formula, which stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanks and Supplication, offers a simple—yet profound—framework for structuring our prayers. It also serves as a powerful antidote to the grip of worry. Often, when we pray, our primary focus is on supplication —meaning, earnestly asking God to intervene, solve our problems, heal relationships, provide protection and grant security. Even if you don’t have faith, chances are you’ve prayed before—whether to the universe or God. While it is natural and important to bring our concerns and needs before God, this singular focus on supplication can inadvertently magnify the weight of our worries, transforming them into seemingly impossible mountains.

By incorporating the ACTS prayer formula into our lives, we can find balance and cultivate a more holistic approach to our conversations with God. 

an ACTS to grind

Adoration invites us to direct our attention to the goodness of God, acknowledging His sovereignty, love and worthiness. It shifts our perspective from the magnitude of our problems to the magnificence of the Creator of the universe. 

Through confession, we acknowledge our shortcomings, regrets and areas where we fall short, seeking forgiveness and cleansing. This step fosters humility and invites God’s transformative grace into our lives.

Thanks is an opportunity for expressing gratitude and cultivating a heart of thankfulness. It is a time to reflect on God’s blessings, generosity and faithfulness in our lives, recognising His hand at work even in the midst of challenges. By intentionally focusing on gratitude, we shift our attention away from the size of our problems and redirect it towards the abundance of God’s goodness.

Finally, supplication is the stage where we present our specific requests and needs to God. However, by engaging in adoration, confession and thanksgiving beforehand, we approach supplication with a renewed perspective. We can come before God with a humility that recognises His sovereignty, a grateful heart that acknowledges His faithfulness—and a mindset that recognises His ability to provide. This balanced approach to prayer helps prevent our worries from overwhelming us, as we trust in God’s wisdom and timing, knowing He is in control.

Incorporating the ACTS formula into our life empowers us to intentionally shift our focus from the mountains of worry to the magnificence of God, the mountain mover Himself. It reminds us of His power, gentleneness and generosity, enabling us to approach our problems with a renewed sense of confidence. By embracing this framework, we can experience a deeper connection with God, finding peace, hope and love as we navigate the challenges of life.

By prioritising worship over worry, we reframe our concerns within the context of God’s goodness. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). This verse underscores the transformative power of prayer, where supplication is accompanied by gratitude, shifting the focus from worry to worship. The assurance is that choosing worship over worry brings an inexplicable peace and protection. It frees you to grasp hold of this anxiety-freeing promise: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). If worship becomes central, then the peace of God, surpassing human understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. This conditional promise hinges on making worship foundational, resulting in a peace that serves as a safeguard against the onslaught of anxiety. 

the ultimate choice

The choice between worship and worry is a lifestyle choice that influences your perspective on challenges, uncertainties and the increasing pressures of the cost of living. The question echoes—are you choosing to focus on your mountain of worries or the mountain mover?

In a world inundated with anxiety, the biblical principles of worship and prayer emerge as a timeless remedy. The choice is presented—embrace worry as the centre of life or let Jesus be at the core. The promise is clear—choosing worship over worry brings peace, protection and a perspective anchored in the eternal. It’s your choice.