Too often we confuse work with worry. We think we’ll never get anything done without worrying about it first. But remember, when it came to worry, Jesus told us to look at the “birds of the air.” They didn’t store up food—or go to the supermarket—and God fed them.
When I look at the birds, I notice how they’re not frantically flapping their wings all the time.
They catch the thermals and updrafts, seeming to float. If worries have you bogged down, catch an updraft of the Spirit. Try some of these Biblical prayers.
1) When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. (Psalm 56:3)
God made the birds so they can fly. They’re light with feathers perfectly engineered to make them airborne. Similarly, God made us with the ability to trust. Step away from your burdens for a moment. Close your eyes and trust.
2) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.(Matthew 6:34)
If you’re like me, you’re constantly checking to see what the weather is going to be like, not just for today but for the days ahead. Look at that big storm that might be coming! One more thing to fret over!
Jesus is reminding us to deal with—and enjoy—the weather we’ve got now. Look out the window. See what’s there. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is unknown, today is God’s gift.
3) “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
The man brought his son to be healed by Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes,” Jesus said. That man believed. He needed help with the other part, the unbelief.
Me, too. When I get too overcome with worry, I use this man’s prayer. “Sure, I believe,” I say to God. “Just help those other parts of me that are struggling. Help my unbelief.”
4) When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul. (Psalm 94:19)
To make this prayer work, I have to slow down. The Lord is trying to console me. Sometimes I’m too busy listening to the negative voices within to hear God’s reassuring word.
5) Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Here’s a way to pray this verse. Write down a person’s name or something someone’s done, a memory, a place, an image that comes to mind for each of those adjectives: noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. Make a collage if you want or draw pictures. Let that be your prayer.
6) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Sometimes I tell myself, “I can’t get through all that I need to do today.” Then I remind myself I’m not alone. “Help,” I say. A one-word prayer.
