Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Paul is encouraging the Christians in Philippi not to be anxious, fearful, or uneasy about anything. Instead of dwelling on problems, take their discouragements and problems to God in prayer. In prayer, we can speak with our all-powerful Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

When we have problems and worries, we often try to deal with them ourselves rather than taking them to God in prayer. Instead of fretting and worrying, give your problems to God, who has all power and authority. He is in total control; He may not change the situation in the way requested, but He will listen and give us peace in any situation.

Like the Philippians, we should not be overwhelmed and anxious instead, we should pray letting God know our concerns. We can turn our worries into prayers, praying and praising the Lord, giving thanks for His goodness and love. Let Christ’s peace displace your worry.

^6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG)

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Do you spend more time fretting and worrying than in prayer?

Lord, help us to let go of our anxiety and worries and turn them over to You to deal with. Teach us to trust You and to relax; to let go and let God. Guide us to believe in Your power and rest in Your peace. Like the flower of the camellia is open and upward facing, Lord, teach us to be open-hearted and send our problems upward to You. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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