The Prescription for Worry!

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.

Some time ago I was sick with an ear ache and congestion. I prolonged going to the doctor because I hate going to the doctor. Instead of going to the doctor I bought over the counter medicine to try and remedy the problem myself. As time went on my condition grew worse. One morning I woke up and the right side of my face was swollen. I still did not want to go to the doctor but, my wife convinced me to go. When I went to the doctor I discovered that I had an ear infection. The medication that I was using over the counter did not work. The doctor prescribed me several medications to address my infection. After I started the regiment of medications I started feeling better and my condition improved. After I left the doctor’s office, I thought about the fact I put myself in a predicament I did not have to be in. I caused myself undo pain and stress by not going to the doctor. If I had gone to the doctor earlier my situation would have improved faster.

Often times in life we become infected with worry from the stress of life. It is interesting that many times we try to handle the situation ourselves, when we have God who has the prescription to help us handle our worry. What specific problem are you currently facing? What situation in your life throws you off balance or creates tension when you think about it? We have to be careful with worry because it leads to stress. Stress is tension between the heart and the mind. Do you want to live a worry free life? Do you want to be able to rest at night? If you answered yes to these questions there is a solution.

The apostle Paul is writing a letter to the Philippian church because they had some problems. Can I pin a foot note here? This letter indicates to everyone that every church has problems. Paul wanted the parishioners not to allow the problems to cause them to worry. This letter also illustrates to us just because we are Christians does not exempt us from problems. Trials, tribulations and temptations are a part of life. We cannot let them rattle us or knock us off balance. Paul shares with us we should not worry when we can pray. Don't allow life to make you so anxious you cannot function. You do not have to carry the burden around you are currently dealing with. You can release this burden by giving it to God. Someone asked me a question not too long ago. The individual asked "Why should I pray when God already knows the outcome?" I responded by saying, “. . . prayer shows God you totally depend on him to work the situation out according to his will. Prayer is not designed to change God's mind. It is designed to line up our will with God's will.” Have you wondered what God's will is in the midst of your situation? The first step that you can take is to pray in conjunction with reading God's word. God will answer your prayer, but you have to first pray.

I challenge you this morning to enter into a more intimate relationship with God by praying. When was the last time you have isolated yourself from everything to have an intimate conversation with God? I am a firm believer prayer change things. If you want your situation to turn around, I challenge you to pray and trust God to work the situation out.

May God bless and keep you is my prayer.