Do You Worry?

"Be anxious for nothing,but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be known unto God."

Philippians 4:6

I read these words of wisdom, "Worry is an old man with a bent head, carrying a load of feathers he thinks is lead. Worry about what might happen makes even the smallest trouble seem huge. Nervously expecting troubles that may never happen can crush our spirit."

How many of our worries never come to pass? Worry robs us of peace. God's will is for us to live in peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

The apostle Paul wrote a letter from his prison cell to the Philippian church. His testimony was that the peace of God was with him. He wrote, "The peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). Such peace defies human understanding, because it is a work of the Spirit of the living Christ in our minds. It can't be explained, but it can be experienced. It's not simply available for certain believers such as apostles. It's available for all of God's children. The Spirit of Christ, who lives in every believer, is the source of God's peace.

Someone may ask, "But, how can I have that peace in my life as a believer?" It's only a prayer away. When we take our requests to God in prayer, we ask for His help with all of our problems and worries. We ask for His peace to guard our minds and hearts. That's His will. A pastor once said to a friend who had many problems, "Why worry when you can pray?" Do you worry? Most of us do from time to time. When worry comes your way, it's time to pray. The God of all peace will answer you through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Father, we give You our worries. Give us Your peace.