by Christine Stahl
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:6-7
Scattered days. Sleepless nights. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. Body still, mind racing, panic building. It can be hard not to be consumed with anxiety.
While waiting for a referral.
Or for test results.
While wondering if your words created shame. Or taught a lesson, as you intended them to.
While hoping for a good outcome at court.
For a parent to show-up for a visit.
For paperwork to be signed.
While praying for the brokenness to heal.
For a child to finally call you ‘mama’. For a son to stop pushing you away.
The Word in Peter 5:7 says, “Do not be anxious for anything, but in all things cast your cares upon Him because He cares for you…” Did Peter really mean not to worry about anything? Is that even possible? Unfortunately, when sin entered the world, emotions like worry did too. As followers of God, we are called to faith, not fear. Faith crowds out fear. And the key is this, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). If you don’t make time to hear from God, prayers can become a monologue of fear-based worry. But when you make time to listen to God, when you become familiar with His voice, the monologue is transformed into a dialogue. As a result, prayers change from panic to praise to peace. Peace that comes only from God.
The words of Exodus 14:14 remind us, “The Lord will fight for you, just be still…” Oh, what a verse. Our part in the equation is so very simple. BE STILL. The Lord will fight. The Lord who cannot be defeated is fighting on OUR side. The Lord who knows the enemy’s next move, He is fighting for US. The One whose strength is without limit is fighting in our place. “Be still & know that I am God. I will fight for you. Do not worry about anything. Just be still…”
