Scripture:
‘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. ‘
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Observation:
I have been going through a hard season where I feel like there are so many things that need to be done that I don’t know where to start. I have been going through episodes of being close to breaking down and crying because of the stress I am under. Occasionally, feeling tightness in my chest and even I think more white hairs are popping out. It just seems like there are so many things demanding my attention that I feel overloaded and under-rested. And for the past few weeks, these very scriptures have been popping up, in my mind and in my readings.
These words that Paul writes were an exhortation to the church at Philippi. He tells us that by doing things all by ourselves, we will be overcome. But with God, we can overcome. It is by our willpower that we begin to struggle and panic. It is by the weaknesses in our own frame that we are driving ourselves to a place of worry and anxiety. Jesus did not rely upon His own strength and ability but rather that of the Father. That is why Paul writes that we should pray and not worry because we have a Father in heaven that not only hears but is He will guide and help us through whatever is happening.
Application:
Paul writes for us to do two things, pray and give thanks. And then we will experience God’s peace. Paul is saying to take the control from what worries us and give it to God. Now that God is in control, we no longer have to worry but are now able to operate in His power, love, peace, and provision, through Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Dear God Almighty, I praise you and thank you for being there for us, especially in times when we feel like the world is coming down on us. I lay before you all the things I have to do and I ask for your help to get me through this time of anxiety and worry. I ask that You take whatever it is that is crushing me and grant me a lighter load that I may be able to walk with you. I choose to submit anything that is causing me to take my eyes off of You. I thank you that you have allowed me to come to the Father through your sacrifice. Thank you for being the hand I can hold on to. I love you and praise you, Jesus! Amen!
