We can find so much to worry about. The horrible war against Israel, corrupt government officials in every nation, antisemitism, persecution against Christians, genetic tampering of food, sin being embraced while God’s truth is being rejected, and the list goes on and on. Worrying and fretting won’t help at all. When we give in to worry, we have turned our hearts away from God. Instead of praying and trusting Him to see us through every situation in life, we hold on tightly to our fears.
“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
The word “careful” comes from the Greek “merimnao” and means to be anxious or troubled with cares. In this verse, Paul encourages us not to be anxious or fretful about anything. I know that’s easier said than done. Remember that Paul faced many situations where he could have let his fears rule his life. He had faced many beatings, he was stoned and left for dead, he faced shipwreck, and more. In spite of knowing that the next person he shared the Gospel with could have him jailed, Paul lived his life to serve Jesus. He had learned to pray about everything instead of being upset or worried about his troubles. Instead of allowing fear to stop him from what God called him to do, he prayed and found peace no matter what happened to him.
That’s easier said than done, but we can find that same peace through prayer.
Prayer needs to become a habit for every Christian. Think of things you do habitually, such as cracking your knuckles, twisting your hair, or lashing out at others with hurtful words; then, think of praying as a matter of habit. Can you imagine how much kinder your words would be if you always prayed before speaking? Or how praying could help you overcome the fear of sharing the Gospel?
The Apostle Paul wrote to believers in Thessalonica, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).
It’s not always easy to be thankful for situations, but this verse doesn’t say to be thankful “for” everything but to be thankful “in” everything. If you keep your mind on Heavenly matters, you will find that you aren’t plugging your ears to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and life will take on a new meaning.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33).
Don’t worry and fret about what to eat and what to wear, and don’t seek after the things of this life, but seek God’s desire for you and serve Him daily. Advertisements make sure we think we need a new car or more stylish clothing, but God provides what we need, not necessarily what we want. Pray about it, and you’ll find peace in knowing that God will always provide. God’s peace will fill your life. Don’t forget to thank Him.
Much of our anxiety comes from telling God what He needs to do for us and fretting if we don’t get it immediately. Instead of being anxious about what we want, we need to just talk to Him about our wants and wait for His answer. It isn’t always easy to submit to God, but when we acknowledge that God wants the best for us and that He knows the future, we will find peace in waiting for His perfect answer.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Those words from Peter came from experience. When he was young, he was very rash, but he mellowed with age. We all must learn to prayerfully talk to God about our wants and desires while humbly submitting to God’s best desire for us. That will calm our anxiety and keep us from fretting so much.
I remember when I was young, I felt as if life was passing me by. I wasn’t married, but I wanted to be. I had a job that I really didn’t like, but it did pay well. I told God every night what I needed to be happy, but every day I was disappointed and sad. Finally, in God’s perfect timing, all of my dreams came true. God knew that there was a wonderful man He had chosen for me. I could have saved a lot of tears and anguish if I had simply waited for God to bring things together.
There’s a lot to be troubled about in these last days in which we live. The entire world is upside down. Men think they’re women, which is impossible. Women think they’re men, which is also impossible. Children are convinced they’re animals and demand to be treated as such. Parents have turned the minds of the children over to public schools, which teach that it’s OK for a boy to be a girl, a girl to be a boy, and a child to be an animal.
It seems as if the entire world has turned against Israel; although they were attacked in a totally horrific way, they are deemed the problem. Not only is war growing stronger in the Middle East, but within nations, there’s conflict and strife.
Jesus told of the birth pains that would happen leading up to the Tribulation. We certainly are getting close to the time when the birth pains will give way to the full-blown time of Jacob’s trouble. We are to pray for Jerusalem.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces” (Psalm 122:6-7).
I do, and I know others also pray. Many people are glued to the secular news sources, and Christians are full of anxiety. Too many forget to study Scripture and pray. What does Scripture say about Israel? They are God’s chosen people, and they won’t be uprooted from their land again. Instead of fretting, we all need to pray for the Jewish people everywhere. The ignorant and satanic prejudice against the Jewish people is growing, and we need to pray for this evil to stop.
Too often, our prayers are self-centered, looking to God as a magician to give us our every desire. What about other people? I’m sure you know plenty of people who don’t know Jesus. Our prayers can help to soften the hearts of non-believers. God wants everyone to come to salvation and is patient in waiting for as many as possible to come to repentance before it’s too late.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Have you ever tried praying daily for someone you know who is spiritually far from God? Prayer can make a difference. Also, pray for boldness on your part to open your mouth boldly to speak to them about salvation. It’s especially hard if that person is an enemy of yours. You really don’t want your worst enemy to spend eternity in Hell. Jesus is very clear about praying for people who don’t treat us nicely.
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28).
It can be done. In praying for enemies, you just might find a friend. Instead of worrying about what your enemy has done to you, pray.
Sometimes, we don’t really know what words to pray. When a very emotional or stressful situation happens in life, our brain can sometimes just shut down, and words don’t form. We just can’t think of what words to pray. Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit, and He is always there to help.
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
Emotional situations happen to all of us. Maybe you have unexpectedly been laid off from your job, or a loved one has died. These are situations when the Holy Spirit will make intercession for us. Lean on Him and listen to His voice in these times of trouble. God wants us to find His peace and has given us the Holy Spirit to help us in all situations. Remember to lean on Him in times of stress. He dwells in every Christian.
Pray about everything, and don’t forget to give thanks. God has done so much for us, and mostly, we take Him for granted. Even when we don’t like the answer, God is to be praised and thanked. We need to trust Him to care for us.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
God loves us and wants the best for us. We need to listen for His answers when we pray.
Pray about everything. Be sure to thank Him and praise Him.
God bless you all,
Nathele Graham
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All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.
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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).
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