Instead of Worrying, Pray

By Josephine Lim

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

We can be anxious about many things in life especially when there’s a big project in hand or big occasion drawing nearer or just life itself. I’ve learnt over the years that each time when I catch myself worrying, I’ll choose to pray instead. Each time when I did that, I found my worries gone and peace just overwhelmed my heart. I could sense the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10) as it pleases Him whenever I surrender my cares to Him. It enables Him to be who He is - God over my life and over my circumstances whether they are in my control or not. He is a God of wonders and miracles more than we could possibly comprehend or ever imagined.

Luke 10:41
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed Mary has chosen what is better (sit down/rest and listen), and it will not be taken away from her."

So I’m learning to live life one day at a time and embrace every moment as it comes. Remembering to enjoy every moment regardless what the situation might be or what is before me. I’ve also learnt from a wise man in my life who said to me that each time when there’s something that prompts my heart to do, I should act upon it as soon as I can so I will not have to worry about it any longer. The quicker I resolve it the quicker I will not having to worry about it.

As we choose not to worry but to pray, let us also declare victory and blessing over circumstances in our lives. This is a declaration of His lordship and provision over areas that concerned us. It doesn’t only make our hearts, souls and minds to react positively to our declaration of faith but we are also speaking life and transformation to situation, choosing to agree with what God’s word says in Hebrews 4:12 For the word of GOD is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

In numerous occasions, I've seen how God’s word is so true. Just a cry of help in my heart to the Lord whenever I need Him to come through, He always answer prayers. He never fails.

So whenever worries come, choose to pray, choose to give thanks and praise the Lord for He is good and His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1).

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Let us stop multiplying worries in our hearts or keep repeating worries with our lips instead choose to thank and praise God especially when opposition comes so you’ll find clarity of mind, strength, peace and wisdom to overcome according to what God has promised in His word. Whatever we are permitted to face in life is not beyond our capability to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Every trial is to make us stronger and not to break us. If we are able to overcome that shows we are stronger and wiser in Christ Jesus.

So what are God’s promises for those who trust Him?

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 3:16)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:10-21)