Jesus knew worry would be a constant temptation in this world, yet He reminds us of a simple truth when He asked His disciples a very profound question: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27).
We know the answer. Worry cannot add a single hour to our lives. Rather than worrying, we must exercise our faith in God. Worry reveals our lack of trust in God. We must repent of our distrust and walk by faith knowing that God will keep us and guide us through every turn in life.
When we are more concerned with our worldy possessions — our homes, cars, educations, clothes, or bank accounts — thank our relationship with Christ, we become anxious and fearful. The way of peace is the way of trust and faith in Christ. He is the One who holds us safe within His eternal care.
There are times when God withholds something from us that shakes our confidence in Him. Is there something that He has withheld from you — a relationship, a job, or a material possession? Only He knows why the answer to your prayers has not been given as yet. Seek Him and wait for Him to reveal His will for you. Know that He is a loving Father who is working out everything for your ultimate good and His glory. Our heavenly Father knows what we need, even better than we do.
There are also times when we withhold from God. While God withholds for our good, when we withhold from God, it harms us. It creates the perfect conditions for worry and anxiety. This is why Jesus exhorted: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).
God has provided the solution for anxiety and worry — you are to trust Him and to use the possessions and gifts He gives you for His glory.
You may not think you can turn away from feelings of worry, doubt, and anxiety, but you can! You are more than a conqueror through the love of Christ Jesus. (see Romans 8:37) When you know and love God and have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have the assurance of eternal victory. Don’t be anxious about life. If you are lacking anything, seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, and He will provide for your every need.
Look to the Word of God to overcome worry and anxiety.
Below are selected prayers based on Scripture to help you combat anxiety.
Lord, I thank You that You have given me Your peace. Therefore, I will not let my heart be troubled and I will not be afraid. In the name of Jesus. (Based on John 14:27.)
Lord, I thank You that I can cast all of my anxiety on You because You care for me. In the name of Jesus. (Based on 1 Peter 5:7.)
Lord, I thank You that You are my refuge, my stronghold in times of trouble. In the name of Jesus. (Based on Psalm 9:9.)
Lord, I thank You that I can always rejoice in You. I thank You that You are near. I will not be anxious, but rather I will offer my anxiety to You and thank You that You hear my prayers. I thank you that You will restore Your peace to me — peace that transcends all understanding. Thank You that Your peace will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. In the name of Jesus. (Based on Philippians 4:4-7.)
Lord, I thank You that in peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. In the name of Jesus. (Based on Psalm 4:8.)
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Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.
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