A Prayer for the Anxious Heart
By: Emily Rose Massey
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, HSCB).
Growing up, I learned very early on that not much in my life would stay consistent and that the pattern of my life would include a lot of change, and sometimes drastic change. It did not take long for a heart of anxiety to be formed in my life because there was not much in my life that I could run to for security.
As I got older, I ran toward other things, other people, trying to fill a void in my heart only God could fill. As a result, I was constantly anxious and depressed.
But, after I graduated from college, my eyes were truly opened to my selfish existence and my deep desire to find something firm and secure. I realized God was the security and peace I was searching for, even in the midst of change.
Change is just a part of life. How we handle that change is where we will discover where our hope and sense of security lies. If change is causing you to worry or stress out, you need not to run to other things or people to try to fix your anxiousness. You will always be disappointed, left feeling empty and even more anxious. You must run to God.
Philippians 4:6 tells us that we must not allow anxiety to overwhelm us, but instead, we are to come to God in prayer and cry out to Him with our requests, full of a thankful heart knowing He hears us.
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Nothing is too small when it comes to our prayers to God; He wants us to come to Him about everything! God not only hears our prayers; He responds with giving us His peace and protection.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
God’s peace is like nothing else this world can offer; it is beyond all human logic or reasoning. He promises to protect our hearts and minds when we dwell on our position in Jesus, as forgiven children of God. He is not only the Creator and sustainer of life, but He is our heavenly Father that longs to protect and provide for us.
When you are anxious, do you find yourself looking to other things or people to calm your heart? We must learn to run to the throne of God first and ask for His peace to invade your troubled heart when we are faced with changes in our life that may bring about many unknowns and uncertainties. The Lord is faithful to bring peace to our lives that will carry us through the storms of life when we are tempted to worry and live in fear.
Father,
My heart is full of anxiety. Things feel so out of my control. I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring. But I know You are the author of my future. I trust that You hold my life in Your hands.
Help me to grow in that trust when I am tempted to fear the unknown. Holy Spirit, remind me to cry out to God when I am scared instead of looking to other things or people to try to distract myself from the worry. Like scripture encourages us to do, I cast all my anxieties upon You, Lord, knowing that You care for me because You are a good Father that longs to provide for my needs, both physical and emotional.
I remind my heart right now to remain thankful; You hear every request and every cry. I continue to cry out for help. I lift my eyes to heaven and fix my gaze upon my ever-present help in time of need.
Lord, thank You for being a constant in my life. Thank you for being my solid rock when everything around me seems to be shaking. I choose to rest in Your peace- a promise that You are faithful to keep.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Emily Massey began writing short stories and poetry as a little girl, entered the blogging world in her early 20s, and published her first book in 2015. She enjoys being a stay-at-home momma while still being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Believing she has been forgiven much, she loves much, and desires to point others to Christ and His redemptive and transforming power, especially by sharing truth found in God’s written word. If you would like to connect with Emily, you can visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.
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