Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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.
Don’t worry. It’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Anxiety penetrates our hearts when we are . . .
. . . waiting on the test results . . .
. . . waiting on a teenager who is late coming home . . .
. . . waiting to see if your job will be part of the downsizing . . .
. . . trying to make ends meet . . .
. . . wondering if he will stay with you or leave with her . . .
. . . battling a barrage of “what ifs” . . .
God’s instruction on worry is not “Get ahold of yourself.” Rather, God wants us to get ahold of him. Worry is the reminder to take our fears to God. Tell him that you’re scared. Confess your doubts. Pour out your dread. Let him know your reservations. Thank God that he hears you and promises to meet you right where you are.
God promises that when you take your concerns to him, he will provide a stillness of the soul that surpasses all human understanding. This calmness will stand like armed guards around your heart and mind. Your anxious request is not a “one and done.” It is a moment-by-moment, situation-by-situation, day-by-day continuance of presenting your needs to God; and he delivers with his power of peace.
Father, thank you for the promise of your peace. Help me use each anxious thought as a reminder to take my anxiety to you. Thank you for replacing the feeling of overwhelming anxiety with your calmness that goes beyond human understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Additional Resources
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This devotion is exactly what I needed today. It really hits home because of the instability of my job market at this moment.