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Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
As our little Shih Tzu puppy and I ventured out onto our patio one fateful morning, a female hawk dove directly towards Bailey. She was only a few inches away from me. I was terrified, so I furiously swung my iPad around (my only weapon), scaring the trained predator away. Thankfully, Bailey appeared nonchalant after his tight escape. On the other hand, I had a hard time getting rid of the sickening feeling that there would be more attacks!
Night after night, I lay awake, worrying about the safety of our new family member. By morning, I was too exhausted to enjoy the sparrows as they sent their usual invitation for mankind to join in their songs of praise and worship. The sweet chorus had always lifted my spirits and reminded me of just how blessed we are to be part of God's creation.
I realized that I was in a much bigger battle than with just one hungry hawk. My anxiety attacks were of a spiritual nature, and Satan was orchestrating them. With this clarity, immersing myself in Scripture gave me the tools to fight back.
Do you lie awake at night, worrying about finances or work? Perhaps you have suffered from poor health or had a traumatic experience that haunts you. If so, remember that when we put our trust in Jesus, we receive the power to overcome Satan's attacks. These are the steps that set me free:
- Prayer – When we focus our thoughts on God's Word, we will find peace. "The truth will set you free." (John 8:32b NIV)
- Petition – Add your worry list to your daily prayer list.
- Thanksgiving – Thank God daily for being our Father and protector and for the strength of His Holy Spirit. "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)
- Memorize today's passage from Philippians 4:6-7.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, whenever I am worried about things over which I have no control, remind me that You oversee every part of my life, and that I have nothing to fear or be concerned about. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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Thank you.
Good advice, Lois.
Thank you for the reminder.
Great advice, Lois! Thanks and blessings to you!
Blessings on your puppy and your walk in faith today, Lois. Anxiety is just low-grade atheism.
Thank you, Lois, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us!
Blessings.
Lois, this is the second devotional in two days I’ve read on dealing with worry. I’ve been struggling with this as well, so God is using you and others to speak to me. Thanks!
You are doing it again. Thank you, Lord, for using this dear lady for your Glory!!!! Have a wonderful Lord’s Day dear friend and thank you for encouragement once again.
Thanks, Lois, for a very reassuring devotional today. Yes, when we turn to listening and following the words of our heavenly Saviour, we can feel so much peace and comfort. Blessings for writing.
Good morning, Lois,
Thank you so much for your much needed, inspiring devotional. It means a lot to me!
Blessings, Joy, Gratitude, and Laughter.
Thanks Lois
I needed this encouragement today. I can’t seem to shake the anxiety I feel about Ukraine, and the horrors humankind can inflict on fellow human beings. Your devotional helped.
Blessings.
Thank you so much for today’s devotional Lois.
Sometimes I need this reminder to keep my thoughts focused on the only one who can really help me when things are not going as well as I would like them to.
Phil, 4. 6-7 is a great reminder also.
God Bless.
Amen Lois.
A hawk killed my Yorkshire Terrier last spring. I have a large, fenced dog yard that is roped across the top so the predator birds cannot get in. He, however was out, with the big dogs for a short play time, outside of the protected area, when this happened. It was devastating.
Thank you for your thoughts in relation to Philippians 4:6-7.
Good morning, Lois,
Thank you for your timely devotional
I have a tendency to worry about things, most of which I can do nothing about, and it is good to be reminded that the truth will set us free.
Blessings.
Lois: Thank you so much for this devotional “Do Not Be Anxious”. I really appreciated the message. What I loved so much was the steps that set me free with specific actions to be followed.
Thank you.
(Ontario)
Great message Lois.
Thank you,
(QC)