Have you noticed how worry becomes a repetitive cycle? We worry about something and cannot seem to stop thinking about it. Over and over, we think about what we are worried about to ourselves until we have made ourselves sick. We often feel there is no way out of this cycle of worry. However, there is a way out of this repetitive thinking: talking to God about what we are worried about.
Paul encourages readers to turn to God and talk to Him when they are worried in the book of Philippians, which he wrote while in prison. In Philippians 4, he instructs, "Don't worry about anything" (verse 6). Notice that this is a command, not a suggestion. Paul commands his readers not to worry. This command leaves no room for worry. Even more, Paul writes not to worry about "anything." There is not one situation in which we have permission to worry. Once again, this is a difficult task for those of us who are prone to worry about everything. Paul does not leave us here without knowing what to do. He continues teaching, "Instead pray about everything" (verse 6). As followers of Christ, we must replace our worries with prayer. Instead of repeatedly talking to ourselves about what we are worried about, we must pray. We get to take our worries to God and talk to Him about them. He never gets tired of hearing from us. What do we pray about? Paul invites us in this verse to pray about everything. As it has been said, "If it matters to you, it matters to God.
It is an honor and privilege to take all of our cares and worries to God. The God who made the heavens and the earth and is the ruler over everything invites you to pray about what is on your mind instead of worrying. As we do this, we experience God's peace that "will guard [our] hearts and minds" (verse 7). Talk to Him today. In exchange, He will give you His peace.
What are you worried about today? Bring it to God. Tell Him what is on your mind. Tell Him about all of your worries and ask for His help. Thank Him that He is a personal God who cares about what we care about and wants to help us. Tell Him you trust Him to take care of you and the situation you are worried about. Ask Him to help you as you seek to trust Him.
"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.
Words of Encouragement
2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 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.
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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."
