PRAY MORE/WORRY LESS
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
As I sit to write this devotion I reflect on the recent news of my world. In the past few days there has been another mass shooting with 18 people dead in Maine. The United States just attacked parts of Syria. Israel is bombing Gaza. Russia is ripping up Ukraine. The economic forecast has some saying we are heading for tougher times for the next several years. If you listen to the news, you can open the door for worry. It seems they love to attack us with the worst-case scenario. Perhaps this is why so many people struggle with fear, anxiety, and worry. There is just so much to worry about. But the Word of God tells us instead of worrying we should pray. Then Paul tells us our prayers should include two parts—telling God what we need and thanking Him for all He has done. For years I have made it my habit to take about half of my prayer time to give God thanks for Who He is and what He has done. When Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer, He told us to begin by saying, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be they name.” The names of God remind us of Who God is. He is Jehovah-Rapha, our Healer. Jehovah-Shalom, our peace. Jehovah-Jireh, our provider. Jehovah-Ra’ah, our shepherd. These are just a few of God’s names but they can help us remind ourselves of Who God is and give Him thanks that He is our healer, peace, provider, and shepherd. In addition to thanking God for Who He is I take time to thank Him for what He has done. I thank Him for my marriage; my children and grandchildren; the home I live in; the cars I drive; the food I eat; and the clothes I wear. I thank Him for His mercy and grace to me. I thank Him for His favor and blessings on my life. I thank Him for friends and opportunities He has given to me. When I take time to thank God for Who He is and what He has done it is amazing the faith I have to talk to God about what I need. Instead of worrying about what I don’t have or can’t control, I give God thanks for what I do have and that He is in control. We can live in faith or fear. Choose to live in faith. To do this, we must develop a habit of being thankful in prayer. Pray more, worry less.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit I ask for Your help that I can pray more, give thanks more, and worry less. Help me to live a life of faith not fear.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”