Daily Living Devotional
Don't worry. Ask God
Worry loses its grip when we bring every need to God and let His peace guard our hearts through prayer.
There's a well-known song that tells listeners, "Don't worry. Be happy."
But as you know, when times get tough - like when you can't make ends meet or cover that upcoming medical bill - not worrying is much easier said than done.
In today's reading from Philippians, Paul is saying essentially the same thing, with one big difference.
You don't have to do it alone. In fact, you can't.
Before we look at that though, it's important to point out that Paul isn't saying that you should never worry at all, or that it's wrong or sinful to have anxiety. Rather, what he's saying is that we should not live in anxiety.
When issues arise - be it struggles with money, health, or relationships - it's normal for those things to create some anxiety. What Paul is saying is that you have a powerful resource to keep you from getting stuck in that worry.
You can go to God.
It seems almost too simple, but don't miss what he says. In every situation you are to pray and ask God. There's nothing too big or small. He's saying, "Don't worry…go to God in prayer."
And when you do, God's Word promises that the peace of God - a peace we as humans can't even comprehend - will guard your heart.
That's the only way to live in peace rather than worry!
Respond
Prayer Challenge
Ask God to help you to trust Him and bring your needs before Him. Pray that He would give you His peace and protect your heart from worry.
Reflect
Questions for Thought
- What's weighing your heart down with anxiety today? What do you need to ask God to do about it?
- How can having the peace of God help you point others around you to Jesus?