“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” – Philippians 4:6
A recent study revealed that 86 percent of those surveyed described themselves as worriers. The study then went on to conclude that the average person spends one hour and fifty minutes per day fretting, which amounts to an astounding 12 hours and 53 minutes per week.
Over the course of a year, that’s 28 days… almost an entire month!
Interestingly enough, the comforting command, “Do not be afraid”, is mentioned 365 times in the Bible. It’s almost as if God wants our hearts to be at peace every single calendar day of the year.
Worry is neither fruitful nor productive. It robs us of joy and peace, and takes years away from our lives. It also takes our eyes off of Jesus’ and his promises to us, causing us to focus on our worldly problems.
As the time drew near for Jesus to be arrested and die on the cross, he began preparing the disciples for his looming departure. They had yet to understand much of what he had said. And how could they? On numerous occasions they’d seen their Master miraculously heal the sick and the lame; they even witnessed him raising Lazarus from the dead. How then would it be that Jesus himself could possibly die?
Jesus told them, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” (John 14:1)
Christ knew how important it was for his disciples to stay focused on the mission and maintain their trust in him. He knew that fear and uncertainty of things to come would challenge their faith. But he promised that their faith would be worth it. “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (Vv 2-3)
Friend, we will always have bills to pay. We will never be completely free from family problems, health problems, and job or money issues. But we can avoid allowing those things to take our eyes off of Jesus and relinquish our joy and peace. Jesus promised his disciples that he would return to them and take them to his Father’s house, a place where they would always be with him. He makes that same promise to you and me.
In the meantime, he left us with a parting gift.
“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again...” (Vv 27-28)
- Don’t worry about anything.
- Pray about everything.
- Tell God what you need.
- Give Him thanks for all He has done.
Former Blackout Artist 