Are You Anxious?

Frequently, she knocks at the door of my heart, Anxiety calls out to me.  “Let me stay and visit awhile.  We have so much to fret about:
People are sick,
Folks suffer,
Evil lurks,
Financial woes continue,
On and on she rambles…”

In contrast, examples abound of Your servants in frightful situations:  Your Son-Jesus, Noah, Joseph, Daniel, David, Esther, Job, Mary, Paul, and numerous others who found peace and deliverance in You.

Thank You, Father, for teaching us through Your Living Word not to keep company with Anxiety and her buddies-Fear and Doubt.  Instead, Joy, Thanksgiving and Prayer are to be our constant companions, trusting in You for each concern of life.

“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 everything, 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.”   - Philippians 4:4-7

Thank You, LORD, for this remarkable human body You have created and given us stewardship over.  Let us be obedient and not burden it with the pointless weight of worry.  Thank You, Father, for Your Peace that guards our hearts and minds in Jesus.  Compassion and faith, not “worry,” is what You desire-inviting us to kneel before You and intercede for those people and circumstances You place on our hearts.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”  – 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Remind us, Beloved LORD, when Anxiety bids to enter our thought life, You are waiting to give us peace in every instance.  Empower us to shut the door to anxious thoughts and behaviors-through prayer and petition.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  – Romans 12:11-13

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Father God, I praise You for Your boundless love, abundant mercy, and amazing grace-blessings galore.  How awesome are all Your ways.  Bathe our hearts in Your precious peace through the avenue of prayer.  Thank You, for Jesus, Our Savior- who walked each step in prayer.  Your Spirit is our Comforter, both Son and Spirit interceding on our behalf.  Amen

Mischelle Oliver,

Stephenville, Texas