Today’s Truth

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).

Friend to Friend

Harper and I were having a visit on Facetime. This five-year-old bundle of love, my niece’s daughter, was telling me all about her Guinea pig, Skittles. Skittles was her new best friend. He went down the sliding board with her, nibbled on baby carrots at tea parties across from her, and nestled in the mini stroller in front of her during walks. Oh, how she loved Skittles.

“I had a Guinea pig when I was a little girl, too!” I shared. “His name was Oscar!”

“You did? What happened to Oscar?” she asked. “Did you give him away or did he die? Do Guinea pigs go to heaven?”

I was not expecting those questions and wished I had kept my Guinea pig history to myself. When we said our goodbyes, I realized that Harper, even at five-years-old, was worried about her little friend. She was anxious about Skittles’ future. Goldie the goldfish had a short life, and well, do Guinea pigs live longer?

It seemed such a small thing…what was going to happen to Skittles in the long run? And then I wondered if my anxious thoughts seem like small things to God.

I worry about my son and then I remember that God has a host of angels surrounding him (Psalm 91:11-12). Protecting Steven is a small thing.

I grow anxious about Covid and then I remember that all my days were numbered before there was even one of them (Psalm 139:16).

It is so easy to fall into the trap of worrying about world events, particularly wars and rumors of war we are hearing about in the news right now. The media shows us horrific details of bombed-out buildings and burned-out homes. People fleeing and parents weeping.

And I get anxious. I grow worried.

Then God reminds me of Who He is and What He does through the Scripture I read time and time again. He runs things. He is not aloof. He is not absent in life’s happenings. As He told Moses at the burning bush, He sees, He hears, He is concerned (Exodus 3:7).

I need to remember that God has a plan for history—it is providential and not accidental. The word “providential” means “to see before,” to have a particular end or goal in mind. What happens in history and with you and me is not happenstance. He is in control of the sacred and secular – world history and my history.

God said: “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish” (Isaiah 46:9-10 NLT).

I imagine God saying, Oh honey, don’t worry about what’s going on in the world at large or in your life right now. The happenings are not a surprise to Me. I’m still in control. I’m still on my throne. And remember, nothing is too difficult for Me. Your worries may loom large for you, but they are not too difficult for Me.

So what do we do when those anxious feelings creep in? We pray and give our burdens and worries to God (Psalm 55:2).

Paul wrote, “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 paraphrase of that verse says it this way: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (The Message).

Don’t you love that: “Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.” I don’t know what you’re anxious about today, but I do know God is in control. And He is good.

If you believe that, leave a comment and say, “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the Omnipotent God Who takes care of every need and calms every anxious heart. I give You my worries and concerns, knowing that You are in control, and You always have a good plan.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Now It’s Your Turn

Now consider what is happening in your life today. What can you be sure of as you ponder today’s devotion?

Leave a comment and complete this sentence. I am trusting that God will __________ in my life

More from the Girlfriends

Check out Sharon’s laminated prayer cards to help you pray powerfully for your children/grandchildren and your husband.

For wives, one of the most important things you can do is to pray for you husband. In Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe: A Daily Guide to Scriptural Prayer, Sharon shows you how to cover your husband in powerful prayer from his mind and what he thinks about, his heart and what he loves, all the way down to his feet and the path he takes. Get your copy of this 30-day guide to powerful prayer.

 

© 2022 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.

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44 Responses to “Shaping Worries into Prayers”

  1. Trish says:

    I am trusting that God will financially provide in my life.

  2. Melissa says:

    I don’t know what God is doing, but He is good!

  3. Miimi says:

    “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”

    I am trusting that God will provide in my life.

  4. Sherri says:

    I am trusting that God will
    continuously answer prayers in my life🙏.

  5. Sheila says:

    I am trusting that God will never leave my side and he is continually answering my prayers.

  6. Carol says:

    I don’t know what God is doing. But I know HE is good!
    I am trusting in Him, and He will listen for my requests and be a guiding compass in my life’s journey.

  7. María says:

    “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!” I am trusting that God will keep my son safe while serving in the navy and will finish His work in my life to become who He created me to be.

  8. Christina says:

    Praise God that He is in control and we can share our burdens and worries with Him. He is stronger and mightier than one can ever imagine and He hears each prayer and cry we send His way! Amen!

  9. April Atwell says:

    I don’t know what God is doing, but I am trusting God will protect our family in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances. Thank you Lord for building our character through this season.

  10. Evelyn Rivera-Thomas says:

    I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!

  11. Susanne says:

    I don’t know what God is doing, but I will never give up trusting and being obedient Through it all. He is the author and finisher of my Faith. And for this I am thankful.

  12. Gillian says:

    I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”
    I am trusting that God will healing, strength and provide in my life.

    My mom recently had a stroke. We had certain plans set up ,now it’s all changed. God is the only one that know.

  13. Jennifer says:

    Thanks be to God for hearing our prayers I don’t know what he is doing but it is good!

  14. Chriss says:

    I don’t know what God is doing but I do know He has a plan and is leading me, and providing for me. It’s good to be God’s child

  15. RW says:

    I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!

  16. Angelina says:

    “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!” I trust Him to work all that’s happening, all that has happened, and all that will happen together for my good and His glory. Thank You Father for the good that’s on the way! 🎶💃🏾👏🏾🙌🏾

  17. Marlene says:

    I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”

  18. Cynthia Neville says:

    I don’t know what God is doing, but I know that everything He does is good. He is faithful.

  19. Sue says:

    I don’t know what God is doing or His plan, but I will trust Him. He knows and always works for our good.

  20. Tonia Tanette Clark says:

    God is good and has been so God to me. He is always right on time.

  21. Brenda says:

    I needed this reminder this morning. I am a worrier and I sometimes struggle with anxiety. I know God is in control and nothing ever surprises Him. I have an 8 year old granddaughter who is leaving Thursday on her first church camp. My first worry is…1. That seems to be a little young for a first 3 night away from home 2. Will she get homesick and, if so, how will the chaperones handle it? 3. Safety 4 What if she gets sick…and my list can go on. She is very excited to be going though. I know God is going with her and I know deep down that she is mature for her age and ready for this experience. BUT, that doesn’t keep my Grammy heart from being anxious. Please if you have time, send up a prayer for my precious granddaughter that all goes well and she will have a wonderful experience learning more about our Lord and Savior. Also, would appreciate prayers for Mom and Dad as they take this step in watching their little one grow up. Grammy could use a prayer, too. I know God is with her but will just be glad when Sunday gets here and she comes home full of excitement and wonderful stories to share with her family.

  22. I am praying and trusting that GOD will heal my body.. He is AWESOME!!

  23. Cathy says:

    I wear a bracelet that says “GOD IS BIGGER!” and I believe it. I don’t know what He’s doing, but I know He’s in control!

  24. Eva says:

    I don’t know what God is doing, but I know that HE is Good. I am standing on His promises. He knows the plan for me. I trust Him. He is faithful. He will never leave me or forsake, Thank you Jesus!
    .

  25. Teleds says:

    “I DON’T KNOW WHAT GOD IS DOING, BUT I KNOW IT’S GOOD!”

  26. Deborah says:

    I don’t know what God is doing in my life but I know that I trust him and he has everything I need for life and godliness today I have tasted the Lord and he is good!

  27. Michelle says:

    I don’t know what God is doing with my daughter who is out into the streets in the drug world. I trust it is good and he has a plan to bring her back to us and to her children ages 7and 5. I know God loves her more then my momma heart.
    Amen

  28. Alli says:

    I am trusting that God will provide us with a baby at His perfect timing. His ways are higher and I trust him with my future even when it’s so hard.

  29. Frances says:

    I need this one today ❤️

    I don’t know what God is doing, but I know it is good.

  30. Wanda says:

    Sometimes when God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want it might seem like He is not doing “good” for us. I have learned that the nos I have received from God are the best things that could have happened to me. Of course in my human and finite mind I could not see why He said no, but now I can see it so clearly. I had rationalized in my human and finite mind that what I wanted had to be God’s will and at the time it made no sense to me why I couldn’t have what I asked for. I was asking for things that sure seemed like should be God’s will– but again that human and finite mind was getting in the way. As I look back now that I am an older and hopefully much wiser woman I realize that the very definition of good is God(didn’t Jesus say no one is good but God?) so whatever He has planned for me is good even when it doesn’t make sense to me. I know in my heart God is always right and good. Due to my crazy childhood I have trust issues and the fear of rejection so just saying the words– I trust– makes me nervous. I pray that the Lord will bless all of you who have replied to this today and I pray that the Lord will bless Sharon for sharing this devotion with all of us.

  31. Eva says:

    I am trusting that God will be wallking side by side with me through the difficulties that I am facing now and whatever lies ahead.

  32. Julie says:

    I don’t know exactly what God is doing but I need to trust Him more!!!! Sometimes He feels so far away…I love You Lord……thank you for all you do for me every day

  33. Diane says:

    I am trusting God will forever be present in my life.

  34. Mary says:

    I needed this one today too.

    I don’t know what God is doing, but I know it is good.

    I am trusting that God will guide me to make the best decision regarding my future: whether to stay in SD or move to AZ.

    I am trusting that God will help me let go of my endless worry of financial stability (Most of the things I’m worried about are very likely NOT going to occur.)

    I’m trusting that God will help me let go of the “shoulding” for past decisions made.

    God is good all the time, I’m praying for my trust in His will to increase.

  35. Katie says:

    I am trusting God right now for two of my friends who are hurting. I know He has something special for them and I come praising His name.

  36. Lynn says:

    I’m concerned about my church. It is going through difficult times right now. there are some who seem to want to divide it and perhaps to destroy it. I was asked to join the council and I did. Now I’m praying God will be among us as we struggle to preserve our church family. I know He will, and I pray all the members will realize that. Thanks for this today.

  37. Carol says:

    I don’t know what God is doing but I know He is good
    I am trusting God to deliver my sister from hearing voices

  38. Diane says:

    What an on time Word! Today, I let fear interrupt my day!♥️

    “ I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”

    I am trusting that God will heal my body in my life🙏🏼

  39. Paul says:

    You never know what the day might bring but you always know who brings the day… And it is good!

  40. Francyne! says:

    I am trusting God will answer my prayers. He is good and faithful.

  41. Paulette says:

    “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”

  42. Emily says:

    I don’t know what God is doing but he is still on the throne and he is awesome

    • Emily, I’m praying for you tonight for endurance to keep trusting even though the future is unknown. Yes, He is on His throne! What amazing peace we can find in knowing He is in control and He loves us so much. God bless you!

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