Worry is often the mind’s response to situations that feel challenging or outside of our control (or both), and peace can certainly feel elusive in the world we live in. What is God’s response to our worries?
Psalm 103:13-14 says:
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
In passages such as this and Matthew 6:25-34, God demonstrates to us that he knows our powerlessness, and he responds to that powerlessness with compassion and provision. Jesus tells us, however, that we approach a God who is not ultimately a worry-fixer but the good and sovereign King of the kingdom we are called to make our priority (Mat. 6:33).
Even situations that are self-inflicted or caused by our own sin do not put up a barrier against our bringing them to God in prayer.
Paul writes that every situation can prompt a prayerful response – there is no situation beyond God’s capabilities, and nothing is too small or mundane for God to have an interest in. Even situations that are self-inflicted or caused by our own sin do not put up a barrier against our bringing them to God in prayer. Talking through a problem with a trusted friend is often a useful exercise, and that is even more true when the God we speak to knows all things and cares more than any earthly friend could.
God also invites us to petition him about our worries. James cautions us with the words “you do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). In humbly acknowledging the necessity of God’s provision, we can do no better than to ask our compassionate God for what we need.
The third ingredient in our response to worry is thanksgiving. In giving thanks to God for his gifts, character and works, we bring his goodness, faithfulness and strength to the forefront of our minds. Thanksgiving makes us both more bold and more reverent in our requests. It also redirects our thoughts towards what is above (Colossians 3:2), which can help to break the seemingly unending mental cycle that worry can bring.
The antidote to our worry is God’s peace. If we focus on rejoicing in God and handing over those worries in prayer, petition and thanksgiving, and filling our minds with good things from God, then he uses this revelation of himself to protect our hearts and minds from the way worry attacks them, and we can experience the companionship of the God of peace (Philippians 4:4-9).
Amy Doël, The Church of God in Birmingham
