When was the last time you took several deep breaths? Take a couple minutes and do that right now. With each exhale, try to imagine one of your worries floating away.
This world is so fast paced, and I often get caught up in the busyness of it all. I forget to breathe, I forget to pray, I forget to stop worrying about the day-to-day things. In the age of social media, I stress about how my Instagram page looks, what I’m posting about, and how people feel about it. I stress about what I’m wearing, what my makeup looks like, and my overall outward appearance. I stress about money, which includes student loans and the rising price of gas. I stress about whether I’m being a good enough friend. But why does it all matter?
I believe some of these things matter. I believe my worries are valid, and I believe your worries are too. I also believe that God cares about our worries.
Matthew 6:31-34 says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
God knows that we will worry about these things, but He knows that these things will be taken care of. He will provide peace to us if we seek Him first. When I am busy stressing out about my life, I honestly don’t think about seeking God first. I think about my life and how I want it all to be a certain way. I think about myself. But God wants me to seek Him first and bring my worries to Him, because He does care.
Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I feel like even if I got this verse tattooed on my body, I would still need to read it every day. Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in EVERYTHING, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. How hard is it to talk to your friend about the worries on your mind? Usually, it’s not that difficult, but I make it difficult when I think about coming to God with my anxieties. I can simply talk to Him about these worries, I can thank Him for all He has blessed me with, and His peace will guard my heart and my mind. That sounds like a promise that I need in my life, friends.
Join me in talking to God about our worries, fears, and anxieties whenever they pop up. Let’s claim the promise of a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Featured Photo by Kerri Shaver on Unsplash
