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
A number of years ago I read a book that suggested readers do a spiritual genogram. That is creating a sort of family tree, but instead of simply concentrating on people and places and the happenings of their lives, the focus is on characteristics and personality qualities, both the strengths and weaknesses. I did that. I looked at both sides of my family starting with my own observations and then asking other family members what they saw in themselves and others. Many memories surfaced and just the doing of this task was worthwhile.
Then I needed to narrow down the characteristics and qualities that are most prominent in me. What an eye-opening experience! I allowed myself to be vulnerable, realizing that I am by nature a highly skilled worrier with a crippling sense of inadequacy. I saw that I am not alone – I am part of an entire tribe of people who have been prevented from experiencing the full joy of life and their purpose if they have not cooperated with God to overcome this. It’s a frequent Mason family trait, right down to my sainted grandmother and my unmatched father. The first thing I needed to do was to not simply accept that I worry, but be aggressively curious, and discover what to do with my worries.
Because worry is a universal human experience, the Bible is full of personal accounts of people who conquered worry. In Philippians 4, Paul shared his worry go-to, and it became a standard way of life for me. Worry easily leaves me scattered, stressed, and scared. So, I just follow Paul:
At the first sign of worry, stop and pray. Pray about everything. Nothing is too big, too little, or too awkward. He wants to hear from me about everything that concerns Him.
Tell Him what you need. He sees and knows all. He doesn’t find fault with me about what I think I need. He can see what will really satisfy my need instead of inferior half-solutions. I can pray and know He cares and is working on what I truly need.
Thank Him for what He has already done. Gratitude will change any situation. As I start thanking Him for all He’s done before this moment, I realize in a new way that no situation is outside His care and provision. The situation begins to get smaller and more manageable in my mind, and His power and love grows in my estimation.
Worry may be my first prompt, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
- Father, right now I am worried. I don’t know what to do or how this will turn out. Please give me Your peace and comfort. Help me to trust in You. I release this worry to You and will go on with my day in faith. I love You.