I hate to admit it, but I worry. I know God says not to, but I do anyway. I’m not worrying as much as I used to, but it’s still a problem.

As I young Christian many years ago, I once told my mother, “Just don’t worry.”

It’s easier said than done, isn’t it?

When I focus on problems and obstacles for which I see no solutions, I’m allowing those negative thoughts to strangle my peace and joy. The secret is to change my focus. When I’m intently focused on the One who has no obstacles and already knows every solution, worry loses its death grip on my emotions.

So let’s try an experiment for a few days. Will you join me?

Let’s focus on just one verse from the Bible. First, we’ll choose to believe it’s true. Then meditate on it throughout the day. By that, I mean think about it, talk to God about it, keep chewing on it. Consider what it means for you personally.

Here’s the verse: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. (Psalm 23:1)

Just 11 words. Ten of them are one syllable. The other is only two syllables. You probably have it memorized already. Now meditate on it. Here’s how I’ll do it today…

The Lord is my shepherd.

The Lord is my shepherd. The Lord. Jehovah. The One who created everything.

The Lord is my shepherd. He’s my shepherd. He’s not just any old shepherd. He shepherds me…personally.

The Lord is my shepherd. He cares for me. He watches over me. He feeds and protects me.

I shall not be in want.

I shall not be in want. Lord, thank you for seeing my needs. Thank you for providing for me.

I shall not be in want. How could I be in want? The Lord, Jehovah, the Lord of lords and the King of kings, is my shepherd. There’s nothing He can’t do. If He wants me to have something, I will. If I think I need something, but don’t have it, then I don’t need it, at least not yet.

Since the Lord is my shepherd, I really have no reason to worry…about anything. He’s always watching over me. He sees what’s coming from every side. He knows my needs before I even know them.

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Meditation may look a little different for you. That’s fine. The point is to allow God’s word to dwell in you richly. As it does, God will use it to speak to you and will guard your heart and mind.

So try it for a few days. Meditate on those 11 words. See what happens. I suspect your worries will lose their power and your peace will be multiplied.