I went camping recently and although I have fond memories of the wonderful outdoors from many years ago, I forgot about the bugs.  I hate bugs.  I love the outdoors, but it’s like a rotating runway of bugs of different sizes, colors, species and levels of repugnance.

I wanted to have a good time on our little family adventure, but the two things that were waging against me were: the onslaught of thoughts running through my head about everyday life and the infamous, ever-present bugs.

“Just forget they are there,” I told myself.  That sounded good until I saw the red roach run across our tent wall.  Awesome!  I have not seen a roach since I was in Texas, and I can’t say I miss them.  I think I saw more species of spiders and bugs in a 10-foot radius that night than I have in my whole life

But sitting around the campfire, I was really enjoying our family’s discussions of our dreams and thoughts. I love hearing the detailed and imaginative plans of my daughter where anything is possible. But then… a “suspect” roach crawled through my hair and my thoughts swayed right back to the problem of “the bugs.”

I wish I could have taken my eyes off of the problems that night and cherished even more on the beauty of my family and of the moment.  Our choice of focus is a huge determinant to our joy.

When we focus on our problems, it amplifies it.  It builds, and soon all we do is think about the problem. It’s all we see.  Focus can inadvertently turn into a form of worship.  Whatever we focus our attentions and thoughts on gets bigger and bigger.  Our thoughts turn into a magnifying glass and before you know it, nothing else exists but our huge problem.  Oh those nasty thoughts and bugs—its all we see.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

Friends, God is so lovely.  When we think about Him and his goodness, kindness, faithfulness and love to us, our thoughts and admiration move us to worship.  

Problems come and go. Some stay way too long, but what we really need is a mental reprieve.  The problems may swirl around us, but God remains constant.  He is the solid rock that we can stand on.  And we can say, “God, I have this problem, but you are bigger. I’d rather look at you and think about how kind, powerful and wonderful you are. I’d rather think about how you love me and how you are always faithfully with me.  I want to think about the comfort that only you can bring and the joy and redemption that can even come out of this situation.”

This focus on God can easily become worship—especially when our thoughts move into gratefulness.  Thank Him for the littlest blessings to the bigger ones. Being thankful takes your mind and sets it on things that are lovely.

The problems will come and go, but Our God remains. Take your gaze off of the problems and fix your eyes on Him.

Hebrews 1: 10-12 says, “He also says, ‘In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.  They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.  You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed.  But you remain the same, and your years will never end.’”

We Can Worship:

• With our thoughts and words
• Thankfulness
• Singing to Him
• Recognizing that He has us in His hand and He is always bigger than the problem.

Bill Johnson (Senior Leader of Bethel Church) says – When in doubt, always worship.

I have to agree. When you feel like life is going down the tubes in a spiral spin – Stop!  Look up at your God and worship.

Here is a great worship song to help get our minds off the problem and onto the greatness of our God.  You can watch the video below or watch it on YouTube by clicking here.

“Who Can Compare to You,” Lyrics from Bethel Music’s ‘We Will Not Be Shaken’ album

Where would I be

If it wasn’t for Your kindness toward me

You’ve been closer than a friend could ever be

There is nothing on the Earth that could take Your place

I am undone

For You see all there was and all that will be

Yet you’ve set your vast affection upon me

By Your voice the world was made and still You called my name

Who can compare to You

Who moves my heart the way You do

Who can compare to You

Who moves my heart the way You do

Kingdoms come and kingdoms fade

But always You remain

Ages pass and seasons change

But always You remain the same