Day 34

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phil. 4:6

Do not be anxious—that statement is laughable! In my nearly four decades on this earth, I have yet to find a week in my life that I’m not anxious about something! Is it just me?

When I get anxious about a situation, task — I go into overdrive. What else can I do to prepare? How else can I practice before the upcoming event or encounter? Do I have my to-do lists detailed enough to not forget anything? Do I have my calendar organized for optimal achievement?

Notice anything missing in my statements above? None of my immediate go-to behaviors or actions follow Phil. 4:6: “…present your requests to God!” Why does presenting our anxiety-ridden requests to God seem to be our last, desperate attempt for help? Why do we think our humanly skills and abilities are greater than God’s? Why don’t I first present my anxiety to God and let Him guide me on how to prepare, what to organize, what to prioritize! Honestly, that thought immediately sounds stress relieving!

As a church, we need to remember that God has been faithful to us for 60 years, and He knows we get anxious. We have expenses, we need renovations, and we need commitment. Let’s make our requests known to God and have faith that He will provide.

Dear God, 

I am an anxious person, I try to battle the world on my own. I often think my skills and abilities are sufficient to fight each battle without bothering You for help. I think it’s time for a change in behavior. It’s time to take all my anxieties to You first. I need to thank You for the opportunity to discern Your will and listen and watch for Your guidance, versus relying on my limited human abilities. Thank You for allowing me to bring my anxieties to You. You are a good God. Amen.

-Mel Dahm