21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

4

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

It does not take much for me to be gripped by anxious thoughts and feelings.  The minute something does not go as I planned it , I begin to wrestle with fear, doubt, and insecurities.  I try to figure out how to get things back to where I want them to be.  My peace is built on me being in control. 

A fast teaches me that I do not have to have everything I think I have to have.  When I do without or live on less, I discover a peace that I cannot find in things or control.  I learn to lean on God and trust in Him.  The peace of God fills me with the assurance that He is in control, and I can trust Him and His ways.  God knows what I need better than I do, so I can give him the situation or setback and know He will handle all the details and can make sure my needs are met.  I can give up filling my mind with plans and tactics to get things back to where I think they need to be, and I simply trust that God is able.  As I look at Jesus and seek His presence, I find the peace that allows the anxiety of me not being able to control everything slip away.

Prayer: Father God, I feel so anxious about so many different things in my life.  I know I should not worry like this and yet I struggle to let my anxiety go.  I need your peace and presence to calm my fearful and anxious heart.  I give my fears and anxiety to You.  Calm my racing mind and help me focus upon You. 

I know I cannot live for you and at the same time be controlled by these anxious things.  So, break the way anxiety controls my thoughts, feelings, and even controls my actions.  Let me be at peace in You.  I do not need to understand everything, I only need to know that You are with me.  Your peace and presence will guide my day and allow me to live for You.