Written by Susie Crosby, guest blogger

INSTEAD

adv: as an alternative or substitute for; in place of, rather

“Instead of worrying, pray. Let your petitions and praises shape your worries into
prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s
wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.”

Philippians 4:6-7 MSG

Whenever I find the word instead in the Bible, I take notice. It appears to me like a street sign from God helping me decide which way to go. So, when Paul says, “instead of worrying, pray,” I realize that I have an important choice to make. I can continue along the worry route filled with anxiousness and negativity, or I can change directions and head directly to Jesus. He is right there waiting for me to bring him my concerns. In his presence, I can be reassured of his incredible power, his constant attention, and his unfailing love.

This verse was my mom’s favorite. She lived like this, even after being given an aggressive cancer diagnosis. She chose to pray when it was tempting to worry. She stayed calm when things seemed overwhelming. She was the most peaceful person I have ever known because she completely trusted in the sovereignty and faithfulness of Jesus as she brought everything to him.

She prayed and praised him as an alternative to worrying.

She substituted prayer and praise for her worries.

Rather than worrying she prayed, and she praised.

So when I feel worry start to take hold of my heart, I will remember that I don’t have to stay in that lane. I can choose to go the way that Jesus paved for me—the way of prayer and praise, the way that leads to his wholeness and peace.

“The root choice is to trust at all times that God will give you what you most need…God says to you, ‘I love you, I am with you…’ This is the voice to listen to. And that listening requires a real choice.” Henri Nouwen, The Inner Voice of Love

Invite him in. Try it. Instead of worrying about something today, put your needs in his hands and leave them there. Ask him for his help and acknowledge his holy wisdom and power. Let him assure you that he is working everything together for good. Then, as his wholeness wraps you up and settles you down, you can take a deep breath of peace.

Susie Crosby is a grateful mom of two grown sons who are students at the University of Hawaii. She and her husband live in the seaside town of Mukilteo, Washington. They love to hike and kayak, they are huge Seattle sports fans, and they love hanging out at home with their little dog Koko.

Susie teaches P.E., Art, Technology, and Music at an all-kindergarten school which keeps her busy full-time. Her passion and joy is sharing encouraging words with the people she loves. She is an active blogger and speaker, and she is the author of Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In. She is always on the lookout for really strong coffee, quiet beaches, lively farmers markets, and shops full of books.

Connect with Susie at www.susiecrosby.com