Worry.
We’ve all done it. And we know it’s futile. There is no power in worry. Worry
has never fixed anything. But when we are helpless to do anything, we seem to think that we are being irresponsible if we
don’t at least worry about it!
Paul
offers us a prescription for curing worry. He doesn’t just order us to be
anxious about nothing and expect us to figure out how to accomplish it. He says
we are to tell God what we want. He doesn’t say “Figure out what you need then ask God for it.” He directs us
not to be afraid to tell God what we want.
And
how are we supposed to do that? By prayer, of course. And petition – which is
just a stronger term for prayer. And wash it all down with a healthy dose of thankfulness. Not
just to move us to an “attitude of gratitude” but to remind us of God’s
faithfulness. When we start listing all the ways that God has blessed us – not
just in providing for our needs but in giving us abundant life – how can we not
trust that he will continue to see to the details of our lives?
Letting
God take charge does not make our problems go away – but how much of a problem
is it if we don’t have to carry it around with us anymore? How much of a
problem is it when we can claim the promise in the next verse? “And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians
4.7)
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