IN EVERYTHING
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)
We hardly saw the white coat he was wearing or the stethoscope around his neck. All we saw was the concerned, sad, and stressed look in his eyes. We knew something was wrong, but as the doctor spoke the words, You are going to lose this baby, our worst fears had just been realized.
Don't worry about anything? Really? Life and marriage can overwhelm us with worry because as we live in this fallen and broken world, we face both physical and emotional pain. If something has the potential to cause great pain, we are likely to be distressed about it. Mark 14:33 tells us Jesus was praying the night before His crucifixion and was deeply troubled and distressed. In fact, His soul was crushed with grief… Paul said there were times he and his companions were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure (2 Corinthians 1:8).
Although I can't always tell where the line is between godly distress, feeling overwhelmed and sinful worry, there is a difference. One involves trusting God through the trial, while worry begins to question God's goodness and faithfulness. When difficulties arise, Paul invites us to pour our energy into prayer rather than worry. We can take our concerns and fears and tell God exactly what we feel and need. When we also bathe those prayers with prayers of remembrance and thanksgiving, Paul promises that we'll experience a supernatural peace that transcends our circumstances.
For couples, applying this Scripture involves making prayer a foundational practice in your marriage. Setting aside time to pray with your spouse or a friend strengthens the spiritual bond of the relationship. It allows you to present your requests to God as a unified front and to seek His guidance together. Additionally, regularly and verbally expressing gratitude for each other and for God's faithfulness can cultivate a positive atmosphere in the home. This practice will not only help reduce worry and complaining but also reinforces your reliance on God's provision and protection.
APPLICATION: Try establishing a routine of prayer and thanksgiving with your spouse or a friend. If you're married, try praying together each night before you fall asleep, bringing your concerns and needs to God. Be honest and open in your prayers, sharing both your individual and shared concerns. Following each prayer, thank God for His blessings, focusing on the positive aspects of your relationship and life.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, that we can bring everything to You and that You offer us a peace that exceeds anything we can understand.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?