Worry Or Worship?

Introduction

Good morning, Church. Today, we’re looking at a story many of us know well: Mary and Martha. It’s a passage about priorities, but it’s also a mirror that reflects our tendency to let worry dominate our lives. Let’s explore how we can move from a life of worry to one of worship.

Scripture Reading

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha is busy preparing and serving, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him. Frustrated, Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help. But Jesus gently responds: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

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1. The Trap of Worry

Worry is a thief. It robs us of peace, joy, and focus. Martha’s story is so relatable because we’ve all been there. She was distracted by all the preparations, consumed by her tasks, and frustrated that she was doing it all alone.

Doesn’t this sound familiar? We worry about bills, deadlines, health, family, the future—the list never ends. Worry can take over our hearts, distracting us from what truly matters. Jesus’ words to Martha are words for us too: “You are worried and upset about many things.”

Worry vs. Worship: Worry pulls our focus inward—on our problems, fears, and inadequacies. Worship lifts our focus upward—toward God’s power, provision, and peace. The two cannot coexist. When we worry, it’s nearly impossible to worship. But when we worship, worry loses its grip on us.

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2. Worship: The Antidote to Worry

Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet. This wasn’t laziness or neglect of her responsibilities—it was prioritising her soul’s greatest need. Worship isn’t just about singing songs on Sunday. It’s a lifestyle of placing God at the centre of everything. Worship reminds us who God is and reorients our hearts.

How Worship Breaks the Cycle of Worry:

1. Worship Brings Peace: In worship, we shift our focus from our struggles to God’s sovereignty. When we acknowledge His control over all things, our hearts can rest. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Worship invites God’s peace to calm our anxious thoughts.

2. Worship Restores Purpose: When we worship, we realign our lives with God’s greater plan. It reminds us that our worth and purpose come from Him, not from our circumstances or achievements. Worship shifts our perspective, lifting our eyes from earthly worries to eternal truths. As Colossians 3:2 encourages us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

3. Worship Creates Positivity: Gratitude is a core element of worship. When we praise God for His goodness, we train our hearts to see His blessings in every situation. This attitude of gratitude replaces negativity and worry with joy and hope. Psalm 100:4 reminds us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.”

4. Worship Strengthens Trust: Spending time in worship builds our faith. As we declare God’s faithfulness, we are reminded of His past provisions and promises. This trust grows, allowing us to face challenges with confidence, knowing God is in control.

Worship is not just a response to good times; it’s a declaration of faith in the midst of difficulties. When we choose to worship, we declare that God is bigger than our worries, and this act of faith helps to break the cycle of anxiety.

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3. Developing a Routine of Worship

Breaking the habit of worry takes intentionality. Worship can become our new habit when we build it into our daily lives. Here are some practical steps:

1. Start Your Day with Worship: Before diving into your to-do list, spend time in prayer, Scripture, or listening to worship music. Begin the day by centering your heart on God.

2. Turn Worries into Prayers: Every time you catch yourself worrying, turn it into a prayer. Hand over your concerns to God, trusting Him to provide.

3. Incorporate Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal or take a few moments each day to thank God for specific blessings. Gratitude fosters worship.

4. Pause and Refocus: When life feels overwhelming, pause and take a moment to breathe. Reflect on God’s goodness and remind yourself of His faithfulness.

5. Join a Worshipping Community: Worshipping with others strengthens our faith. Don’t underestimate the power of corporate worship.

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Conclusion: Choosing What Is Better

Martha’s work wasn’t the problem; her priorities were. She allowed worry to distract her from the one thing that truly mattered: being with Jesus. Mary, on the other hand, chose what was better. She chose worship over worry.

As we step into this week, ask yourself: Are you letting worry rob you of peace and purpose? Or will you choose worship?