Worry vs. Worship
Part of Creatures of Habit
September 22, 2024

Introduction:

  • Main Thought: Our lives are shaped by the habits we choose. Are your habits leading you to become the person you want to be?
  • Today, we explore the choice between a habit of worship and a habit of worry.

Luke 10:38–42 (CSB)

While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”,
The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary., Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.” —Luke 10:38–42 CSB

  • Mary and Martha: Two sisters with two different responses to Jesus’ visit.
  • Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet (worship).
  • Martha was distracted by tasks and responsibilities (worry).


Point #1: Stress is the Great Revealer

  • Key Insight: Stress often reveals our true habits. In times of difficulty, we either respond with worship or with worry.
  • Martha was focused on tasks and became anxious, while Mary focused on being present with Jesus.

  • Personal Reflection: In stressful moments, are you more like Mary or Martha?

  • Illustration: Tree-skiing – Focus on the path, not the obstacles. Worry is focusing on the “trees” (problems), while worship is focusing on the “path” (Jesus).


Point #2: Worship is the One Thing

  • Key Insight: Worship is the best habit we can develop. It’s about giving Jesus our time, attention, energy, and affection.

  • Practical Worship:

    • Listen to worship music.
    • Spend quiet time with God.
    • Use your talents to honor Him.
  • Quote: “Worship takes place when Jesus receives our time, attention, energy, and affection.”

  • Personal Reflection: How can you make worship a regular habit in your life?


Point #3: Nothing Compares to Being in Jesus’ Presence

  • Key Insight: Worship brings peace in times of anxiety. Rather than worrying, we can bring our requests to God and trust Him with the outcome.

  • Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

  • Illustration: The story of Horatio Spafford and the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” – Spafford chose worship over worry after unimaginable loss.


Application: Choosing Worship Over Worry

  • Practical Steps:

    • Listen to Christian music during your commute or quiet times.
    • Set aside 10 minutes daily for prayer or scripture reading.
    • Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.
    • Share what God is teaching you with a friend or family member.
  • Challenge: This week, be intentional about replacing moments of worry with moments of worship.


Conclusion:

  • Key Takeaway: The more we focus on Jesus, the more our lives are shaped by worship rather than worry. Choose to sit at His feet, like Mary, and make worship a daily habit.


Reflection Questions:

  1. What current habits are leading you toward stress and anxiety?
  2. How can you intentionally focus on Jesus this week instead of your distractions?
  3. What steps will you take to cultivate a habit of worship in your daily routine?