What, Me Worry?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
There’s no more prevalent human condition in this world in which we’re living than the issue of worry. Dealing with a once in our lifetime pandemic has fueled this condition for sure, but also the myriad of divisive issues that have had negative impacts in our families, our communities, our nation, and our world – are feeding us more things to worry over. We have so much frustration and anxiety. There was a saying I heard expressed by women in my family as I was growing up that perhaps you’ve heard as well, “I’m just sick with worry.” As I’ve grown and my world has become more than just about me, I understand the feelings that might be associated with that expression.
So, what is Paul’s advice to those who might be “sick with worry?” Well, Paul is a bit direct here – “Do not be anxious about anything…” That’s all well and good to say – but how does one stop worrying? I know that I shouldn’t worry. I try to live within an ideal of “let go, let God.” But trying to will worry out of my life – or in other words by my own will power just doesn’t get it done.
Paul does fill in the blank with the “how to” deal with our worries. Read the rest of the verse – “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Every situation – there’s nothing too small or too large to bring to Him. The things we think are too small is like saying it’s no big deal and I don’t want to bother God with such small stuff. And the big stuff – well that’s really small stuff to God, isn’t it? So, take the advice here – every situation. Prayer is, after all, the expression of our dependency on His provision.
The practice of prayer was one I admit I didn’t quite understand in my youth. How do I do it right? How long must I be on my knees, and what time of the day is devoted to conversation with God? What I’ve come to realize is that communication with God is an all day, everyday discipline. Starting the day and ending the day with thanksgiving and expressing our hopes in those quiet, personal times is important but I also do little “arrow prayers” for which my heart calls. Because “in every situation” means I need to lean on God’s strength and His grace while active in my day.
Paul also exhorts petition. An encouragement to continue praying repeatedly as we seek God’s answer. And then there’s “with thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is looking forward with confidence and faith to thank God for answering prayer even before you see the answer itself.
In all our prayers we always seek His grace, strength, insight, patience, compassion, and His love. Let us rest in these gifts, that we receive, undeservingly, to usher in His peace. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians4:7)
Lord, help me when I find myself giving into worry. Remind me to shape my worries into prayers and thanksgiving and trusting that You will turn those worries into opportunities to experience Your peace. In Jesus’ precious name, AMEN.