I had a conversation with a teenager last week at Uplift about how to respond when life doesn’t go the way you want. Their plans had fallen through, and they were wrestling with what to do next. The answer I gave them is something I’ve found myself coming back to over and over. Not just for them, but for myself, too. And also shared with someone yesterday:
When you don’t know what to do… WORSHIP GOD.
That’s pretty good advice. Here’s the Bible for it..
The Scriptures provide us with several powerful examples of this.
Take Job, for instance. When Job lost everything, his wealth, his health, and even his family, he didn’t run away from God. Instead, “he fell to the ground and worshiped” (Job 1:20). Job’s instinct wasn’t bitterness but reverence. He didn’t have answers, but he turned his heart toward the One who does.
Or look at David. After his infant son died, David’s servants were afraid even to approach him. But instead of sinking deeper into despair, “David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped” (2 Samuel 12:20). In his deepest grief, David didn’t pull away from God, he drew near.
When you face moments of uncertainty, heartbreak, or confusion, remember these examples. When you feel stuck and don’t know your next step, stop and worship.
Worship shifts your focus. It takes your eyes off your problems and places them back on the One who is bigger than your circumstances. It quiets the noise, centers your mind, and reminds your soul who’s really in control.
So pray. Praise. Sing. Pour your heart out to Him. Plead for His guidance. When you draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to you (James 4:8).
When you don’t know what to do… WORSHIP GOD.
~ Alex Mills