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. —Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)
“Worry is temporary atheism,” writes author Randy Alcorn.
Funny how a simple quote could result in an overwhelming flood of conviction. You see, I’d been worrying a lot, especially about adopting a little girl from the Congo. Everything that could go wrong was going wrong.
Despite God’s many commands not to, I was letting worry reign in my heart. I knew it was time to wage war on my worry. If I wanted to experience that all-surpassing peace Paul talks about in Philippians 4:7, I had to live out the verse that came before it.
So the next day, I started a worry journal. Every single morning, for four months, I wrote a list of my worries. Then I got on my knees and, out loud, I not only gave each worry to Jesus, but I asked Him to deposit peace and joy in the empty space that my worry left behind.
I wish I’d started this a long time ago. I’m no longer wasting energy and emotions on things I can’t control. I’m truly living out Philippians 4:6, and in so doing, I’m reaping the rewards of joy and peace and an ever-increasing trust in God.
Father God, thank You for the truth of Your Word and for the reward that comes when I live out those truths.
