The habit of talking to your Father
“Worry” by IoanaZdralea
Last Monday I had a very bad day at work. Several months ago, I helped oversee a team that submitted several extensive written arguments to a government agency. On Monday, the agency issued its decision and, to make a long story short, we lost on everything. The partner I work for was livid, and because I had supervised the work (and my name was on the briefs we submitted), I was called into his office (twice) that day to get chewed out. For much of that week sleep escaped me as I couldn’t stop mentally reviewing what had gone wrong, getting a sick feeling in my stomach as a result.
All of us deal with anxiety. For you, maybe it is connected to your work, or academic performance. Maybe it is related to a difficult relationship with a friend, roommate, or family member. Maybe it concerns your health. Maybe your children. Because we live in a sin-sick world, we cannot avoid these anxiety-inducing flashpoints. Unsurprisingly, the Bible has a lot to say about the subject of anxiety (or worry). In the midst of my own work-related anxiety this week, God pointed me to the following verse, from Philippians 4:6: “[D]o not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Here, God provides a clear directive to me: “Are you anxious? Talk to me about it.” Not just the about the “big” things, but “in everything.” There is nothing too small or too insignificant to bring before my heavenly Father. He wants to hear about it because I am His child. Even better, He provides peace—a peace that doesn’t even make sense—as a guard for my heart and mind.
God knew I needed to hear these words this week. But not just this week. Each and every day. What about you? Are you worried? Are you anxious? Talk to your Father about it! When Erik preached about the practice of repentance, he encouraged us to “start small.” That same advice applies just as well to talking to the Lord. Start with the small things. If something is bothering you, stop what you’re doing, and talk to your Father. Remember that the peace He promises was purchased for you by the blood of Jesus. So boldly ask Him for that peace that surpasses all understanding, which is yours in Christ Jesus.