Don’t Be Anxious

What if we prayed first?

How many struggles could be avoided if we would first turn to God in prayer?

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Did you read what I just read?

Don’t be anxious about anything!

Have you ever thought about how different your life would be if you were totally free from stress? 

Is a stress-free life even possible?

The book of Philippians tells us that not only is it possible, but it’s expected.

We should not be living lives of stress and anxiety.

Whatever we call it; stress, worry, anxiety, concern, think for a moment of the impact it has on us.

Stress causes lack of sleep. It brings about aches and pains and even some diseases.

It causes us to make poor decisions.

It ruins relationships; sometimes even destroying marriages.

It robs us of peace and joy.

How many times do we make excuses and even justify “concern”?

We rationalize that it’s to be expected.

We say that stress is part of our culture, our life situation, or maybe our work. 

It’s just who we are.

But these are not reasons. They are merely excuses.

According to this passage there is no valid reason for worry.

It should not be part of our lives, at all.

So how do we stop from being anxious?

By praying first.

By first surrendering our plans, our hopes, our concerns, and most of all our life into God’s able hands.

Let’s not wait until we’re drowning in worry before we turn to God in prayer.  

Don’t let the stranglehold of stress steal your peace and joy.

Pray first.