Author: David Strovers
Reading: Philippians 4:6-7 (Living Bible (TLB))
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.
Years ago, as I was starting my career, I was a worrywart. I could always think of scenarios for a disaster. Luckily my mentor insisted I take a Dale Carnegie course and required reading included Dale Carnegie’s book "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living". This book encourages you to accept the worst possible outcome and work to improve the situation.
As Dale Carnegie said, “As the years went by, I gradually discovered that ninety-nine percent of the things I worried about never happened.”
Paul (in his letter from prison, see Philippians 1:13-14) describes the same approach- don’t worry, but instead turn your cares and needs over to God in prayer. Paul also tells you to thank him for his answers. Both Paul and you should be certain of God’s answer. It may not be in the timeframe you prefer or what your preconceived solution is, but God will provide an answer to your request. Be thankful. Make it a daily practice to offload your worries, trial and concerns to God in prayer. This allows you to live joyfully in the present, knowing you are God’s child.
Paul even as a prisoner wants the church people of Philippi to know that God provides his peace, a peace “which passes human understanding” is available at your request. Can you imagine Paul being thankful while still imprisoned for his opportunity to witness? It sounds like an upside-down world. Your daily conversations will also provide peace for you.
In 1988, Bobby McFerrin captured Paul’s theme in a song which included the lines “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double. Don’t worry, be happy.”
So, during this Lenten season, make it your mission to turn your cares, anxieties and worries over to the Lord, thanking him for his response and the lessening of your anxieties.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for caring about me enough to act upon both my needs and my anxieties. I have faith in your solutions and am grateful for the peace you provide. Amen