I used to get paid to worry.
When I developed software several years ago, it was my responsibility to figure out what could go wrong with a program and code to make it bulletproof.
It didn’t always go as planned. I would think a program was ready-for-prime-time only to find I had missed something, often resulting in lost sleep wondering about other potential problems I’d have to fix before meeting an important deadline. The worry was worth it, I reasoned, because at least I was getting paid to do it.
As Christians, we are not immune to worry. Anxiety can stem from many things, such as unemployment, illness or relationship issues. We can lose sleep trying to figure out what we can do to prevent, fix or even function through the situation.
Unfortunately, our worrying doesn’t result in a paycheck. But, among the benefits of having a relationship with God through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is our opportunity to trust God’s word.
Phillippians 4:6 says,
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Do not be anxious about anything
I’m glad the text doesn’t stop here. It would read like a parent telling a child not to be afraid of the closet monster and then turning off the light and shutting their door.
But in everything by prayer and supplication
We actually get to communicate with the creator of the universe about everything. Who better to share our concerns with?
With thanksgiving
It shouldn’t take a long time to recount the times God has provided for us as we’ve walked in obedience with Him before. We can recall these times as we pray, knowing He can meet our present needs.
Let your requests be made known to God
Though we might ask for things according to our timing and perspective, God knows the best solution and His perspective and timing is unlimited and unbound by our deadlines.
We are certain to have opportunities to worry, but there are equal opportunities to pray. Being able to speak to God, thank Him for his blessings in the past, and trust Him for the best outcome is certain to help us grow in gratitude for His ongoing presence in the middle of our concerns.
Regarding God, It always pays to trust.
