Trading My Worry for Worship
“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’” (Joshua 5:13, NIV).
We’ve all been there at one time or another. Facing impossible circumstances while fear whispers in our ear about the certainty of our defeat.
That’s one of the many reasons I’m so thankful for God’s Word. Because tucked into its pages, we find story after story of people who help us learn in the midst of our battles. People who show us what it means to look to and depend upon the Lord.
Take Joshua, for example. If ever someone might have felt overwhelmed by a situation totally out of their control, it was Joshua facing the city of Jericho.
Joshua was leading God's people to fight for their promised land, but the wall surrounding Jericho looked invincible. There was also the issue of Israel’s army lacking proper weapons for tackling such an impressively guarded city. You can’t exactly pull down walls with arrows and spears. That’s a job for battering rams and catapults — items noticeably missing from their arsenal.
But they had come too far to turn back. And the people of Israel were counting on Joshua.
With all these facts and details weighing on him, Joshua was suddenly confronted by a man with a drawn sword. Scripture reveals this was no mere human. This was "the commander of the LORD's army" (Joshua 5:15, NIV) — perhaps even God’s presence in human form. This was no everyday occurrence. It was an incredible encounter.
Seeing the man ready for battle, Joshua asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13b).
Wrapped in this honest question, we discover hesitancy in Joshua — a peek inside his thought life — and a need for reassurance. It's such an honest question, but it makes me believe Joshua wasn’t walking in complete confidence and assurance. If he had been, he wouldn’t have asked. But he did.
This is where we may assume that, of course, God would answer, Joshua, I am with you, for you, and on your side!
But we would assume wrong.
When asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” the reply was, “Neither … but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come” (Joshua 5:13-14, NIV). Joshua fell face down in humility and reverence — asking what message the Lord had for him, God's servant.
I wonder what kind of message Joshua was expecting, even longing for. Perhaps one overflowing with war strategy and tactics. But instead of detailed plans, Joshua received a call to worship. He was told to remove his sandals, for the ground was holy (Joshua 5:15).
This was an invitation and a reminder for Joshua to worship the One who was not only big enough to handle the impending battle but also loving enough to address the doubt, fear, and insecurity running through Joshua’s mind. And Joshua slipping off his sandals reminds me of what I need in the face of my own seemingly insurmountable situations: I need to worry less and worship more.
When I’m desperate for God to give me all the details …
When I’m wishing He would give me the tiniest peek at His plans …
When I’m starting to wonder if He’s for me or against me …
I need to pause, lift my eyes to the One who meets me in the midst of my fears, and worship Him. Worshipping not only honors Him but also changes me.
Worship might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we feel overwhelmed, but it truly is powerful. It reminds our trembling hearts and shaky knees that our God is mighty, our God is loving, and our God is a more-than-able God. Worship both quiets us and strengthens us — perfectly preparing our hearts and minds for whatever battles lie ahead.
I don’t know what “walls” you’re facing in your life right now, friend. I don’t know how overwhelming and daunting they seem. But I do know the perfect battle plan for each and every one of us.
Worry less. Worship more. And trust our God to lead us into victory.
Father God, thank You for reminding me that the best way to prepare my heart and mind for battle is to worship You simply and humbly. Today as I lay my fears down at Your feet, I lift my hands up to You in worship. You are worthy of my trust. You are worthy of my praise. Today and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
It’s one thing to read, “Put on the full armor of God.” It’s another thing to know what that looks like when fear is loud, a lie starts sounding believable or discouragement has worn you down. Ephesians 6 isn’t telling us to try harder or somehow become strong enough for the battle on our own. It reminds us that God has already given us what we need to stand firm in His strength. In this episode of Therapy & Theology, Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Jim Cress unpack what the armor of God means for the real battles we face every day, so listen to the conversation here and be reminded: You may feel afraid, but you don’t have to live afraid.
ENGAGE
Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 29:2, “Honor the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness” (NLT).
What overwhelming circumstances are you currently facing? Which aspects of God’s character can you focus on today to shift your focus from worry to worship? We’d love to hear from you in the comments today!
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Thursday, 29 October 2026.
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