Quiet the Voice of Worry

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Worry is a thief. It creeps in at the most inopportune times, threatening to strangle our joy and siphon our peace. It clothes itself in questions that chip away at our confidence. When my son moved 1200 miles away to Canada for an internship, worry invaded my thoughts.

“Will he get enough sleep? Can he manage his own meals? What if he doesn’t dress warm enough for sub–zero temperatures?”

As worry weighed down my heart, a sudden realization settled onto my spirit: I managed worry by wielding the weapon of control. And now, with both of my children away from home, my ability to control situations sat packed up alongside dishes and textbooks.

Is it possible to quiet the voice of worry? We worry about so many things…finances, relationships, our health, and ill-fitting jeans, just to name a few. Long before Allstate Insurance assured us that “we’re in good hands,” the writer of Psalm 121 let us know that God’s got us covered. Longing for a place of safety, weary travelers lifted their voices in song while on a pilgrimage toward the hills of Jerusalem. The second in a set of ascent Psalms reminded them – with every step – to put their confidence fully in God. The question it poses still begs an answer today: “Where does our help come from?” (V 1). Five times in eight verses, we read the promise that God watches over us, covering us with His character.

“He will not let your foot slip” (v 3). We are covered by His righteousness when our path is uncertain. He can keep us out of the dangers of temptation and from the pain of taking a wrong turn in life.

“He will not sleep” (v 4). We are covered by His sovereignty; God is in control. Unlike the pagan god, Baal, powerless and unable to answer, (1 Kings 18:27), the one true God is never inattentive to our need.

“He watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand” (v 5-6). We are covered by His faithfulness, providing unfailing protection from the harsh winds of adversity. He gives us respite from anxiety and relief from the burdens we unnecessarily carry.

“He will keep you from all harm” (v 7). We are covered by His mercy, which simultaneously guides and warns us. As a shepherd watches over his sheep, God watches over those He calls His own. (Psalm 23:1)

“He watches over our coming and going” (v 8). We are covered by His presence, no matter where we go. God’s presence is the antidote to worry.

Where does our help come from? God invites us to take our list of fears and “what-ifs” and place them under the covering of His character. We don’t have to plod – step by step – through life, attempting to manage worry on our own.

God covers what we choose to surrender.

We can completely trust Him to watch over us and provide the help we need…day or night. You’re always in good hands with God.

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on AngelaDonadio.com

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