Father,

You have told me not to be anxious but to bring my cares and worries to You with thanksgiving. You promised Your peace when I will do that. (Philippians 4:6-8)

Those words are easy to quote when all seems well, but they are much harder to live when trials come, when babies are sick, when families are challenged, when aches and pains rule, when the world looks to be falling apart.

But they are still true. They are still a promise, and You keep Your word.

You have given me so much, but my heart is squeezed with anxiousness over things beyond my control.  I am riding with burdens on my back – I can feel them, Lord. I am like the traveler who refused to trust his bags to the cart in which he was riding, so he arrived at his destination weary from the heaviness of his load.

I want to lay these burdens down, Lord, and experience the joy of Who You are.  I know that You alone can meet the needs and You alone are able and willing to carry the packs on my back.

There are so many things happening right now, but none of them surprise You. You are able to keep and to care through all of the challenges this day – this week – will bring.

So, today, Lord, I ask that You help me remember that anxiety is not Your will for me. Help me turn to You every time – every.time. – my stomach starts knotting up and my thoughts begin to frazzle with the cares of the day.

I’m giving them to You – really –

but don’t be surprised if I pick them back up several times today.  That is a problem that I have.

Thank You for taking them again and again.

Matthew 11:²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Philippians 4:⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Photo – Macon Morning Sky, Beth Mims