“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God” (Philippians 4:6, Amplified).

It’s amazing how we can become stressed out about things – even good things – when we continue to worry about them. Sometimes our excitement about new things can quickly shift to a fear of the unknown, or a new opportunity that we felt peaceful about originally is suddenly doomed to failure because we have decided to fret about it.

The funny thing is, sometimes we think all this worrying is prayer, particularly if we tell God about it. I used to think that. I would pour out my heart to God and wonder sometimes why I didn’t feel any better. Now I know it is because I simply decided to worry out loud to God.

But see in the verse quoted from Philippians 4, the author mentions petitions. Petitions are about doing something. They are all about action – no, they are more than that. Petitions are about getting someone else to do something, to join your cause. My moaning and talk isn’t petitioning at all. It’s just negative talk. If I am worried, then I need to request of the Lord that I not be anxious and have Him join with me in overcoming the stress.

But let’s please petition Him with some gratefulness. And, frankly, all that positive asking isn’t just for His benefit. God knows that having a thankful spirit helps us take the focus off our worries and onto the One who can fix our worries: That’s God!

When we do this kind of praying, guess what? If you read further in Philippians 4:7, you will see the wonderful results:

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NASB)

How about that kind of peace – the kind  that will guard your emotions and your thoughts and make you impervious to negative situations, circumstances, and people? Sounds good to me!

Next time your mind is racing, thinking about all those “what if” scenarios and expecting the worst, start turning your troubled thoughts and words into thankful requests for God’s help. When you do, He promises you an inner calm that no human can bestow.

– Laura J. Bagby

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