The Weekly Devotion for the Week of September 16
Worry is a natural human response to the uncertainties of life, but we can trust in God in the midst of challenges.
Anxiety is a real and powerful force. It robs us of joy, drains our energy, and clouds our vision of God’s purpose for our lives. Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything.” That’s much easier said than done.
This verse reminds us that we don’t have to be controlled by our anxieties. The author, Paul, isn’t ignoring the challenges we face; rather, he’s inviting us to respond to them differently.
Paul goes on to say, “by prayer and supplication.” The remedy for our worry is found in communication with God. When we pray, we shift the burden off our shoulders and place it at the feet of the One who can carry it. Prayer is not just a spiritual discipline; it’s a lifeline.
In prayer, we find solace because we are reminded of who God is. We are reminded that God is faithful, that He is in control, and that He is with us. When we pray, we are saying, “God, I trust you with what I cannot control.”
The verse continues with a crucial element: “with thanksgiving.” This is not an afterthought; it is a vital part of the process. Thanksgiving shifts our focus from what we don’t have to what we already do have. It reminds us that God has been faithful in the past, and He will be faithful again.
God wants us to actively give Him the burdens that weigh on our hearts. We are not called to carry them alone. When we offer our anxieties to God, we are acknowledging that He is in control, not us.
Trust Him, thank Him, and leave your burdens in His capable hands.