The Result of Releasing My Worry

July 25, 2024

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

Paul gives us specific directions for our worry: “Don’t worry. Instead, pray about everything. Every little and big thing. Tell God exactly what you need and thank Him for all He has done.” If you are curious about the result of handling your worry in that manner, Paul fills us in on that too.

God goes to work in us and for us when we give Him our worries. Paul, who experienced such worry-inducing situations as isolation, imprisonment, physical deprivation, physical abuse, and more – an entire catalog of worry prompts – found that God’s faithfulness is beyond anything we can imagine. He responds with understanding and help that goes far beyond taking care of a simple situation.

Paul says that refusing to worry and turning our worries into trusting, grateful prayer will give us an ongoing infusion of God’s peace, which is far greater than we can understand. Jesus found Himself almost wordless to describe the peace given to those who trust Him. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV). It makes me think of both Ezekiel and John describing God’s voice as the sound of many rushing waters (Ezekiel 43:2; Revelation 1:15). I think every time I read that description, it’s a valiant try at describing God’s voice – but it doesn’t really define it. I think the bottom line is that it is so awesome that it defies description.

That’s the way it is with God’s peace. No one, no matter how eloquent, can truly get a handle on it to describe it to others. What we know for certain is that this peace defies description. It is the peace that can only come from Jesus – His own gift. It is like nothing the world offers or how it defines peace. It is the answer for a troubled, fearful heart.

And when we “live in Christ Jesus,” as we continually surrender ourselves to Him, this peace is a powerful and proactive protectant for our minds and hearts. We lose our tendency to tangle up in worry because we are living in a daily state of trust.

• Jesus, my own history tells me that true peace in life will only come from You. I choose to trust You – today and always. In every little thing. In every big thing. I choose You to guard my heart and mind from thoughts that disturb and destroy.