Stop Fussing . . . and Focus Instead

Stop Fussing . . . and Focus Instead
by Charles R. Swindoll

Mary . . . sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand." The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it."
—Luke 10:39–42 MSG

Father, we acknowledge that anxiety is not simply a worrisome little habit but rather, it is a sin . . . a repeated sin. Worry compromises our fellowship with You and with others. We thank You that the death of Your Son, Jesus, provided the payment in full for our sins, including the sin of worry. We trust Him to take care of our worries, just as the psalmist said, "Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."

We pray that You will quiet our hearts. As You do, please lead us to a quiet and sure confidence in Yourself. Take the things that we needlessly fuss over—those worries that have burdened us long enough—and erase them from our minds. Please teach us to focus on You instead—to sit at Your feet in quietness. And as we cast the heavy weight of anxiety on You, we will trust You to give us instead a peace that surpasses understanding and a confidence that You are at work—even though we remain in the same circumstances. Thank You ahead of time for how You will deal with the burdens that weigh heavily on our hearts. Thank You for how You will relieve the anxieties that cause us to miss the important things in life.

See also Psalm 55:22; Proverbs 12:25; Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 6:31–34; Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Peter 5:7.