Phillipians 4: 6-7 says :  Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NLV)

Are you a worry wart?  Do you spend too much of your day worried about how you will get everything done that day or about how you will deal with your kids behavior problems?  are you a slave to your to do list?  do you worry constantly that you aren’t going to be able to pay your bills next month?  or that your kids will be hurt in a way that you can’t prevent?

We all worry.  It’s part of our human nature.  But becoming obsessed and worried about things completely out of our control is not productive nor is it what God wants from us.  He asks us to throw our worries on Him and to pray to him with THANKS before expressing our needs.

I think we often forget that first part.  FIRST we need to be thankful for our many foundational blessings- for keeping us safe in the car, for giving us clothing and shelter and food, for allowing us to be born in a country where we can serve him freely.  THEN we need to cast our worries on him.  

His peace is amazing- There is truly nothing like it.  It surpasses all understanding.  ALL understanding.  That means, in the midst of the most difficult situations if you truly give thanks, and pray for him to take away your worry that you can be granted HIS peace.  He will wrap his arms around you and provide you what you need.  He works in the most difficult situations for Your Good.

On days that you feel like life is spinning out of control remember this- He is in Control.  He knows what he’s doing.  He’s got your back.  Take action and spend time with him- being thankful and shifting your worries and concerns to him.  Remember that prayer does not only happen in a quiet room on your knees- stay in constant contact with Him throughout the day.

I have a tendency to feel overwhelmed by worries that I create in my mind.  As an uber planner, Type A gal I hate procrastinating and if my list starts to get too long I start to freak out.  Then I am stifled.  Rather than moving through my day exuding his love and paying attention to the ways he is working around me I get caught up in my to do list.  Often times I become anxious.  When that anxiety creeps in the Holy Spirit often gives me a healthy slap in the face.   Emily- what are you doing?  Does this stuff even matter?  Is this an eternity thing or just you and your brain creating worries that are unfounded?  Those questions bring me back to reality and bring me back to Him.

When you are overwhelmed simply reach to to Him- call out his name- Jesus- thank you for this day.  Thank you for giving me the responsibility to raise these beautiful children.  Please help me to be patient with them- please take away my worry that I will take the wrong steps as a parent and guide me in your ways.  

Do you have a burden that is consuming you?  Reach out- give thanks- and turn it over to him!!!