Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Philippians 4:6 NKJV
Anxiety. Worry. Stress. Carefulness. Have you ever asked, “What’s really at work here? What’s at the root?” Recently, I had to ask myself the true root of my worry. I was very anxious about the outcome of this particular situation. However, when I took a step back to examine the whole picture, imagine how surprised I was to learn it was powered by unmet expectations.
Unmet expectations, whether brought on by internal or external, are caused by man-made deadlines, status levels, and performance outcomes. Unmet expectations add weight on our shoulders that God never intended. The word says to be anxious or careful for nothing. Instead, it instructs you to bring it all to God with prayer and supplication and thanksgiving.
When I reflect on the Word of God here, I had to ask myself, “How’s my prayer when I’m worried?” My reality is that it can be almost nonexistent. I’m too busy focusing on the should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve thoughts in my mind. My mind is too preoccupied with the expectations and how I have or haven’t met them. And if I’m really being real, there’s not much thanksgiving and supplication happening either.
Applying God’s Word
How does this verse teach me to let go of anxiety?
- Pray- Have an intentional conversation with God. Seek out what His word says, and pray to Him regarding His word on the said subject of your worrying.
- Ask- If it’s serious enough to occupy your mind, then its serious enough to beg God for help meeting it, dealing with it, coping it, and even letting it go.
- Give Thanks in Advance. We shouldn’t bring something to God without the expectation that He will hear us and answer us. Therefore, rejoicing and giving thanks in advance for what He is going to do should be a standard.
Something to Consider: How does your prayer life need to shift as a result of this word today?
Prayer for the removal of anxiety:
Lord, I admit that I have been worried. My anxieties has tried to overtake me. Your word reminds us to be anxious for nothing. If I am being honest, that seems so hard to do when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and everyone is counting on you. I confess that I am in need of help casting my cares upon You. Forgive me for trying to do it in my own strength. Today, I am laying it all at Your feet. Bring to the forefront of my mind every way that I have tried to handle life on my own. Inform me of areas where I am struggling to ask for help. As Your word teaches, let me not hold back in making my request known to You. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!
Now…
As God starts bringing things to your mind, release it back over to Him. Don’t be afraid to ask God for help. He wants to be there for the smallest moment of our lives. This week I was reminded of how I used to lean on Him to tell me what to cook for dinner. Money was tight, and I was new to cooking for more than just me. He would help me plan out a meal by reminding me of what I had on hand and how it paired well with other items already at the apartment. Something so small, yet that was powerful to me. I say this to say, “Go ahead, sis. Ask God for help. Then, get quiet because He will surely answer.”