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
I always find comfort when I talk to others about the difficulties I am facing. When I tell other people what I am worried about, I feel heard and cared for and am often encouraged. We were not meant to face our hard times on our own. We were meant to face them with community, but even more than that, we were meant to face them with God. I must admit, when I am worried, I am apt to pick up the phone and call a friend or family member before I pray and talk to God about my difficult situation. Though this is true of me, Scripture teaches us that there is a better way to respond when we are worried.
In Philippians 4, Paul instructs believers about what to do when they are worried. "Don't worry about anything," he writes (verse six). Did you catch that last word? It says "anything." Paul says not to worry about anything, yet I often find myself worried about everything. Can you relate? Thank goodness the verse does not end there. Paul gives further instruction besides, "don't worry about anything." After that, he writes, "instead, pray about everything." Again, did you catch the last word? It says, "everything." That means there is nothing we should not pray about. Nothing is considered too big or too small to pray about. God wants to hear from us.
What are you worried about today? Are you concerned about the future, finances, family members, etc.? Have you stopped to pray about these situations causing you to worry? God calls us to bring all of our cares and worries to Him, just like we would talk to our friends and family members about our worries and concerns. Will you turn to Him in prayer today?
After reading these verses, it is only fitting that we spend time praying. Get away to a quiet, secluded place, and pray. Take your cares and concerns to Him, knowing that He hears your prayers and is concerned about the things you are concerned about. As you pray, remember to pray for those in your life who do not know Christ. Ask God to continue working in their lives and to bring them to Him.
Read Philippians 4:1-7 (NLT)
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
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.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
