"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:6–7

We are instructed not to be anxious, not to worry, but to pray instead. I don’t know about you, but I find myself doing the opposite. I worry about too many things and pray about too few things.

When we worry, we focus on the problem. Worry comes because we don’t have control of a situation or a person. We have forgotten the One who holds this world and our lives in His capable hand. We have forgotten that He is aware of what we are going through. He knows and understands our struggles. He hasn’t forgotten us. When we pray, we begin to focus on the solution instead of the problem.

Only God’s peace will guard your heart from the attacks of anxiety and worry. Call out to Him with prayer and petition. Reflect on His faithfulness in the past and thank Him for it. As we begin to pray instead of worry, we will find our hearts redirected into a place of hope and comfort. So don’t worry, pray instead.

Father: Thank you for your faithfulness in my life in the past. Thank you that you have a plan for my future, a place for me. Thank you that though I am struggling right now, you are with me, and you care for me. Redirect my anxious heart into your loving care. Amen.