Anxiety is something we all feel at least once in our lives. Some of us feel it every day; some of us feel it seasonally. Whatever category you fall under, I'm sure you know what I mean when I refer to the feeling of anxiety.
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| We played "Lucky" at our wedding because the words spoke to both of us. |
I've talked a lot about ways the prevent anxiety and how prayer is a guaranteed way to get away from anxious feelings. In this post, I'm talking about another method to escape anxiety: worshiping Jesus through songs.
Songs and prayer work in the same way: they both bring our focus to something other than our problems. Songs and praise bring our eyes up to the God and serve as a reminder of who is in charge. The one advantage that songs have over prayer is the emotional connection we have to certain lyrics or tunes. Think about your favorite song...do you have it? Why is it your favorite song? What does it remind you of? What time in your life did you hear that song? You know all the answers to these questions, don't you? My favorite song is "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat because when I heard it, Jarrod and I were long-distance dating and it reminded me of our relationship. My sister heard it first and told me to find it because it would be a perfect song to play at our wedding. Every time I hear it, I cry because it reminds me of how blessed I am to be in love with my best friend. I first heard it at the stop light by Wal-Mart and I play it every year on our anniversary. See? Songs have a unique way of transporting us to another place.
When we listen to praise and worship songs, we are being invited to a celebration. Accepting the invitation and joining in the celebration transports us to a place where our focus is Jesus and we are flooded with his power and love. Looking up to worship Jesus allows us to also look down and gain some perspective. He fills us with love, wisdom and courage so that we can approach a scary situation without anxiety. He gives us hope and floods our hearts with light.
Next time you feel anxious feelings creeping in, as soon as you can, look up a praise and worship song and soak it in. Worship the way you most enjoy and open your heart to what God has for you. Maybe worship for you is sitting and listening, singing and dancing or standing and praising; whatever it is, take a moment out of your chaotic day and let God's love wash over you. Try it; I know you'll like it.
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