Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6. NLT.
Don’t worry about anything. I used to think I did pretty well in this area, not worrying. But one day, the Holy Spirit started revealing areas in my life where I was anxious. I had grown so accustomed to it that I didn’t recognize it as worry! As I pondered and prayed about today’s blog–you guessed it! Worry, anxiety and stress showed up! Worry is sneaky. It robs us of so much energy.
If we stop worrying, start praying we receive what is promised in verse 7. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. When our hearts and minds are at peace, it is so much easier to make right choices. We won’t be driven by competition, conflict or fear. It is easier to stop and ask for His wisdom and perspective when we begin from the place of peace.
I haven’t learned the secret to “non worry”, but I am learning how to prevent it from ruling and running my life. When I catch myself moving toward worry, I try to stop and pray. Small choices often open the door to stress and anxiousness. The “should I’s” of life can become paralyzing if we let them. My friends, do not let worry derail you from moving ahead with God’s plan and call in your life. Worry and anxiety steals your trust and makes your God small. He is not small in any manner.
When in doubt, choose faith and trust. Look for the bigger, bolder choice and do it! Do not let fear dictate your decisions, but release your faith when confronted by those fears. Stir up your faith, if need be. Remind yourself who your God is. This morning I read the first chapter of 2 Corinthians. I found it so encouraging. We go through things so we can help comfort others. Our enemy would like us to quit before we get to that point. No matter what you are facing, your choice is faith. Forgive yourself if you realize you have let worry run your life. Today is a new day, for fresh choices.
I confess lately I have been plagued with worry thoughts. The Holy Spirit showed me that when the enemy knocked with worry, I let him in. He didn’t stay in that small area, but anxiety tried to spread to new areas of my life. Thank you Lord, for opening my eyes to his schemes. I repented and asked Him to guard my heart and mind once again with His peace. Peace came along with the confidence I needed. Check your own heart. Don’t let worry steal from you.
Father, I thank you for helping us make good choices. Choices of faith, trust and confidence. Teach us to take the time to pray first, acknowledging any worry, concern or anxious thoughts we may have. Help us capture them with Your Word, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 