Raise your hand if you’re a worrier. My arm would be high up in the air now, too, if I weren’t using it to type this message. I worry way too much and quite honestly, I frustrate myself! Anxiety, worry, and fear — the unwanted houseguests that just won’t leave! They don’t get the hint that they are complicating circumstances and it’s time for them to go! Paul has some advice for us in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Notice he doesn’t say, “Just calm down and get over it!” No, Paul tells us to bring our worries to God. All of them. Why? Because God wants us to hear about every single one of our desires, struggles, worries, and needs. When we ask for what we need our relationship with Him grows. It’s an opportunity for the divine to interact with the every day of our lives and show how much He cares about us. This interaction stops the escalation of our worries painting a picture in our minds of the worst possible things that could happen. Instead, we are gifted the opportunity to imagine (and experience) a good Father listening, drawing near, and answering our prayers in His wisdom. And for that, we can be thankful! Which is Paul’s next instruction.
Thankfulness for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because in His sovereignty, He can turn even the most tangled mess into something beautiful. Inviting God into the situation turns our worries into worship, our irrational thoughts into relationship, and our neediness into a reminder of our belovedness. So, let’s make a deal. Next time anxiety comes knocking, let’s invite Jesus in. He’s the perfect houseguest that we’ll never grow weary of.
Pray this with me: “God, thank You that I can ask You for all that I need. Help me to quickly bring my worries to You and trust Your goodness. Thank You for being my peace amid chaos and bringing my spirit a sense of calm.”
Jessica Klootwyk
Discipleship Director