“Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving,continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Are you dealing with a situation right now that has you feeling anxious or worried? Many times it seems that on a daily basis there is something new we could be worrying about. For some, worry is a constant companion. ‘What if this happens?’ ‘What if that happens?’ And the news doesn’t help the situation!  But God never intended for any of us to live a life of worry. He tells us that we never have to worry about ANYTHING. Did you catch that in the verse above? It said, “do not fret or have anxiety about anything.” But instead, in every circumstance and in everything (I think that covers it!) we should pray and tell God what we want and need. Not because He doesn’t already know, but because we need to come to Him to remind ourselves of our need and His provision. So often we go through life and little situations come up and we deal with them and move on. But I think this causes us to get a false idea of reality. We start to get too confident in our own ability to handle our problems and begin to rely on ourselves more and God less. Often during these times we flat out forget God. Until some “big” situation arises. Then we think, “now I really need God.” But the truth is that you ALWAYS need God. Duh! And even in those so-called “small” situations you had that you think you handled yourself, it was still God making things happen and helping you. Because “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). And anything we have, do, and are is only because He allows it and gives us what we need.

So, if we really think about it like this, we realize how much we have to be thankful for and this should reassure us that God will remain faithful and continue coming through for us. And that is what the verse goes on to tell us; we should pray to God about our needs with thanksgiving. We can give thanksgiving for His past deeds that give us confidence in His ability and love and provision, and thanksgiving because we know and trust He will do it again and everything will be okay. When you really believe this, the peace that passes understanding which is promised in the next verse will take over you. You will be surprised at how much peace and joy you can feel when you decide to just trust and believe what the Word says and follow it! I’ve experienced this peace before when I really surrendered my problems over to God and allowed His word to comfort and encourage me through.

Remember…don’t worry about ANYTHING, but PRAY about EVERYTHING (from the biggest to the smallest issues) GIVING THANKS for what God has done and is going to do. Knowing and trusting that God heard your prayers, heard your thanksgiving, and will deliver.

Prayer:
Lord, from this day forward, I cast all my cares on You because I know you care for me. I know You do because Your Word tells me many are your thoughts towards me, O Lord, if I should count them they would outnumber the sand. Jesus said that You know everything we need before we even ask You Father, so I trust Your plans for me that you decided even before I was born. Plans for welfare and peace and not for evil; to give me hope in my final outcome. So I will not fret, worry, or be anxious about anything. But in every situation and in everything, big or small, I will come to you in prayer, making my wants known to You with thanksgiving in My heart for Your provision. I know when I do this, Your peace that passes understanding will take over my heart and mind and I will not entertain worry but I will trust that everything will be alright and work out for my good, because I love You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.