WORRIER OR WARRIOR
We have a choice everyday as to how we are going to handle the difficult things in our lives. It’s easy to worry about our problems. Some people even claim that worry runs in their family, but God doesn’t want us to worry.
“Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25-26
As humans we need many things to survive, basic things like food clothing and shelter. But we also need love, purpose, and comfort to thrive. When we feel a lack in any of these areas it is easy to lose faith and to worry. Here is God’s plan.
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Ephesians 4:6-7.
Here are some suggestions on how to structure your prayers to really benefit from all that God has made available for us as His sons and daughters.
—Adoration and praise. This brings us right into the Presence of God. Then we can ask Him to give us insight and wisdom in knowing His will. “let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God..” Hebrew 13:15a.
––Confession of sins. Look over your day and see the areas where you walked in the light of God’s presence and the times you did not. Confess and receive God’s grace and forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:19.
—Thank God for His many gifts and His promises. “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20.
—Supplicate. Cry out to the Lord, make your requests. “Hear my prayer, O Lord and give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me and in your righteousness.” Psalm 143:1 Find a verse(s) in scripture that speaks to your heart and walk forth boldly believing in God and His ability to fulfill His Word.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
The way to find peace in all circumstances is found through prayer. And this ACTS prayer is a good guideline to follow. As we spend time in the loving presence of God giving thanks, making requests, and listening for Him to speak, we are refreshed and strengthened. The benefits of being a prayer warrior are amazing.
May the Lord bless each of you as you seek His face in prayer. May you be strengthened and refreshed by His Spirit, renewed, and restored by His Word, and have full assurance of His ability and desire to guide you and provide for your every need.
Betsy O’Callaghan