Worries

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.”

These words of Philippians were penned by Paul. If there is one who has legitimate concerns, it would be Paul. He was in prison awaiting trial – his life was hanging on a thread – and here he urged the Philippian church not to be anxious! This passages shows that our state of mind need not be dictated by our circumstances.

To counter-attack worries, there are a few things that you can do beside prayer
1. Consciously examine your ‘want’ list – are they really what you need? If not, say ‘no’ to them and be done with them.
2. Cut down your time on technology – including emails, cell-phones, computers, television and radio. Too much information leads to indigestion of the souls.
3. Turn off your cell phone for a few hours a day – if the call is important, they will call back. Have an alone time with God and with yourself
4. Keep a notebook – write down the things you worry about – decide if they can be dealt with. If yes, then set a date to deal with the issues.

However, the replacement of worries by peace can only and ultimately be achieved through prayer. Talk to God. Peace is the result of prayer. The peace of God will ‘garrison and mount guard’ (amplified version) over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Worries are like invading armies that need defending against and God's peace wrought through prayers is that strong fortress that no invading worries can penetrate.

Part of being alive is the ability to plan ahead. However, if planning ahead leads to over-thinking, it becomes a worry. Remember Jesus’ words, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:24-26)