As I awakened, the Lord said, “Today, we will talk about worry. As in DON’T.”
Ha! That was a short conversation.
This verse came to mind.
“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 (NLT)
“Don’t worry about anything” leaves no wiggle room.
My Granny was the the best worrier I have ever known. I spent a lot of time with her when I was young and learned her ways. I’ve come a long way since then. When worry comes knocking on my door, I refuse to let it in.
But there are times I begin to worry without noticing it. The Lord always brings it to my attention, as He did the moment I awakened.
The Passion Translation says it like this:
“Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life.”
“Don’t be pulled in different directions or be worried about a thing.”
Worry pulls us every which-way and leads us no-where good.
“Be saturated in prayer throughout each day.”
Worried thoughts are going to come, but as we talk to the Lord throughout the day, peace replaces worry.
“Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 (TPT)
The Lord did not design us to live worried, stressful lives. He planned for us to bring worries and stress to Him so He can take care of us.
It takes effort to stop worrying, but it also takes energy to stay worried. Worry wears out our minds and bodies, and drains the joy out of life.
“…offering your faith-filled requests before God…”
Our requests are faith-filled when we know God is going to answer our prayers. We know God is going to answer our prayers when we pray according to God’s will. We know God’s will when we know what is written in His Word.
“…with over-flowing gratitude.”
We cannot be grateful and worried at the same time. Thankfulness naturally flows out of a heart that trusts God.
“Tell Him every detail of your life.”
The Lord is interested in every detail of our lives. How great is that! He wants us to talk to Him about everything, even though He already knows.
The worries of life fall away when we are secure in God’s love for us.