Do Not Worry Over Anything

"The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays." -Søren Kierkegaard
 
Do you ever wonder why life is so full of anxiety? We worry over money.  We worry for our kids.  We worry for our health.  We worry about our jobs.

As believers we are invited into a loving relationship with an all-powerful God who gives us the good (and challenging) gift of free will.  We are invited to welcome Him as our Lord into our decisions, into our choices, as our Advisor and ever-present Counselor... but we are free to NOT.

This week while driving we heard this quote on the radio: "God will either give us what we ask for, or give us what we WOULD HAVE asked for if we knew everything He knows." (Tim Keller)  Even as believers we still often buy into the notion that God is absent from our prayers or ignoring our needs as times become challenging.  

As Christ followers we can trust that:

• God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28)
  
• God is presently giving us our hearts desires (Psalm 37:4)
• God will help us in times of temptation (1 Cor 10:13)

SO answer these very important questions right now:

• What is causing you stress / anxiety?
  
• Who are you struggling with loving (being kind, patient) right now?
• What do you need help with?
• What do you WANT / hope for?
• What are you thankful for?

 
Now invite God in.  "God, I give these to You.  I trust You.  I believe in Your power in my life and over all things of earth and heaven.  I love You.  Amen."

Do the work to make this an automated habit.  Try to list these at least once per day until you are accustomed to inviting God in as every need / want / gratitude arises.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

See you Sunday at 10 AM!  We believe this one hour each week can change every other hour of your life!  Invite a friend, you may never know the difference it will make.