This is part 2 of a 3-part series. View the entire series here.
Verse(s): Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Don’t worry. How many times have you heard that? How many times have you tried it? How many times did it not work? Trying to not worry without changing anything else in your life is a momentary solution––a bandage for anxiety. It covers the wound, but it isn’t helping it to heal. But Paul doesn’t only tell us to not worry. He tells us to replace our worry with something else. Prayer.
Worry is a state of mind that comes when we think about everything that has gone, is going, or could go wrong. Emptying our minds by trying to not worry just cleans up the house to make room for more worry. On the other hand, prayer helps us change this state of mind by saying, instead of dealing with my own problems, I’m going to talk to God so He can deal with them.
We don’t have to question whether God wants to hear from us. He never tires of hearing our voices and never gets frustrated at us for coming to Him over and over. Paul is encouraging us to repeatedly tell God what we need, while at the same time being continually grateful for all He’s done.
When we’re anxious, our minds race and our hearts pound. Then, whether we intend to or not, we can start projecting that sense of urgency onto God. We’ll demand that God move faster, and we’ll forget that He’s already working––even if we can’t see what He’s doing.
If you need even more encouragement to bring your worries to God, here’s what the apostle Peter said about dealing with our anxiety: “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT).
In these verses, Peter shares three key pieces to building a stronger prayer life:
1. Empty Yourself: Prayer is about aligning our hearts and thoughts with God. We need less of ourselves (especially the parts that feed into our worry) and more of God’s Spirit, who brings us comfort.
2. Remember God’s Power and Plan: It’s one thing for someone to want to help you through your anxiety and worry. It’s another thing for someone to be able to help you. God has all authority and power––meaning if He says He’ll bring you through your trials, He not only wants to…He will. God has a perfect plan and the power to accomplish it. Trust in Him as He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
3. God Cares About Us Personally: God cares about you. And He is going to be with you through all of your hardships. That’s a promise. And the good news is, nothing can ever change that. (Read Romans 8:38-39 for more encouragement on this).
Abide in Jesus and His love. Pray about everything, and let your mind be filled with truth. Let worry fall away as God comforts you. Don’t hold back––tell Him everything you need. And as He moves, rejoice with a thankful heart.
