Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 CSB
Worry Into Prayer
I love this Scripture. I absolutely love it. The beauty of these words to keep us in His Truth.
We have all been faced with news that is shocking and frightening. Difficult and unforeseen circumstances that bring fear knocking on our door. Our minds race with all the “what ifs.” We know we should not fear and we know we should not worry, but in those moments it just seems impossible. We are human after all.
The ability to overcome worry, move beyond our fears, and find peace is not found in ourselves, it is found in the presence of God with us.
He is near. He is at hand. He is with us.
I have learned a lot from my husband over the years, starting very early on in our marriage. I have watched him endure things I could have never imagined, with such grace and courage. When you witness something like that, when you see someone have such peace in the face of adversity, you know that it can only be the peace of God.
A trip to the doctor walked us right into the scary unknown. We had no choice but to go through it, but there was peace in knowing we didn’t have to face it alone. So instead of going home and completely falling apart, which in that moment crossed my mind, we went home and prayed. We completely turned to Him in prayer. Every day. Every night. We read Scripture like these verses in Philippians.
We did our best to turn our worry into prayer.
We prayed with confidence not because we understood, but because we knew we had to trust His reasons and His timing. We knew we had a battle to overcome, but we knew He would help us overcome it. We knew only God could provide the peace we longed for. And He sure did.
God showed up in amazing ways. He meets us right in the middle of our worst of circumstances. He brought comfort and peace right into that chaos. We experienced the peace and presence of God in ways we didn’t even know were possible. There were moments when that peace that surpasses all understanding was so tangible we knew it was only God.
I don’t want to make it sound like this was easy. It was far from it.
When I let worries and fears of the unknown get the better of me, I had my own moments of falling apart. Having faith and trusting God doesn’t magically take away all the worries and make things easy. It takes work, constant work, to give the worry and anxiety to Him and know He will see you through. Each time fear creeps up, you have to hand it right over. With eyes fixed on Him, His peace will guard your mind and guard your heart.
Live and pray with confidence because you can be certain He is near. He will cover your fear with His love and faithfulness. He will calm your anxious heart.
We trust you, Jesus.
Do you struggle with worry? What worry can you hand over to God today and find peace?
Leave a Comment
Summer Rae says
Miss Jennifer,
Your loving words are always so timely… today I can hand over the worry and fear of not being what/who everyone “expects” me to be. Knowing in my heart that being who God created me to be is all that matters. Trying not to let my mind tell me otherwise. Thank you for your confirmation and encouragement. I pray your day is wonderful and full of Christ like love!
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
LaDean says
Beautifully written. This is truth. We live in a time when not only are non- believers desperate for hope, but seemingly, we as Christ Followers are desperate for reminders of His hope and peace. Thank you for sharing this truth of scripture. Bless you and your husband.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I couldn’t agree with you more, LaDean. Thank you so much.
Connie says
Summer Rae…
Your reply to Jennifer touched my heart (as did her message)….I am praying for you this morning. May we all hold God’s Word in our hearts as we walk in this journey He has put before us.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Amen to that, Connie!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh Summer Rae, that is a worry I can hand over as well! I know many of us struggle with that even though He created us as His masterpiece! Praying for you today.
Tina says
Yes, I do struggle with worry and fear.
Thank you for writing this.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Praying you can hold on to His truth and peace when those fears and worries rise up, Tina.
Toni C says
Friday, I spoke with my radiation oncologist about an upcoming 2nd round of treatment. I know he was surprised that the first round wasn’t sufficient (so was I ), so he spoke with others who specialize in this type of lymphoma and the word that came back from each of them was “strange.” Not something that fills one’s heart with courage and confidence. This was initially billed as something that wouldn’t affect the longevity of my life. Something to be watched as more of an annoyance, that has morphed into “strange”…not behaving as predicted.
It would be easy to worry and head down the “what if” road. Thanks for the reminder to live in confidence that He is near, regardless of the circumstances.
Jas says
Mighty Father,
I thank you for placing these words in Jennifer’s heart. May I lift up Tony C in prayer to you, please be right by her side and quieten any voices of fear. Please restore Tony to good health, comfort her and guide her my Lord. I pray she leans into you and is protected by you always.
IJN I ask these things, Amen
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Amen.
Beth Williams says
Toni,
Praying for you sweet Toni!! God is right with you during this whole ordeal. He will Never leave you nor Forsake you. Give her your comfort & peace! Guide her steps & those of her doctors. May She know & feel you near always!
Blessings 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Toni C, my husband and I have both heard that “strange” word with our health issues. And “difficult, unusual…”. I know how you feel. Remember we are not “strange” in His eyes. He knows. Praying His peace and the truth of His words bring you comfort and confidence on this road. You are not alone!
Velda says
My husband has been diagnosed with dementia, and I am daily seeing the rapid deterioration of what he is capable of doing, and the confusion he is going through daily is heartbreaking and very scary. He is trying to hold on and keep working which we felt was good to keep him active as long as possible, but he won’t be able to continue much longer, and not only do I fear that this will speed up the progression of this terrible disease, but also put a terrible financial burden on us and our family. Fear and anxiety seems to be a daily companion lately as I try to cling to God’s promises to never leave me or forsake me, but some days it is really hard when things seem to spinning our of our control. I know in my heart that God is always with us, but my head just doesn’t want to follow. Please pray for us that we will have the strength and courage to go through this journey with grace and the peace that only God can bring to our hearts! Thank you!
Michele Morin says
Lord, hearing Velda’s heart cry, I’m reminded that you know her need and that you look with mercy upon her and her husband. Please grant the strength and the courage she has wisely requested, and make your presence known even in this hard trial. I pray that you would use this situation, by your mighty power, to demonstrate to the world that even in the midst of the loss and fear of dementia’s cruel advance there is grace.
Praying for you, Velda, in the name of our Lord.
Amen.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Amen.
Beth Williams says
Velda,
Praying for you sweet sister!! Praying for strength & courage for you as you see your loved one’s memory go. Sweet sister I know the heartbreak of which you speak. Lord make your presence fully know to Velda. Help her to see & feel you daily-even hourly. Give them discernment as to the next steps to take. Allow them to go on this journey with grace & dignity.
If you can check with your insurance company & see if you could get home health when & if he has to leave his job. I understand what you are going through. Both of my parents had dementia-all stages. It was hard watching them slowly deteriorate. Praying hard for you as you fight this battle daily!
(((((Hugs)))))
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I knew this was something you understood well and could offer support to, Beth. Thank you.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am so sorry for this road you must travel, Velda. And believe me, I understand that while we know we can trust Him, that doesn’t mean it is easy and our human thoughts don’t go racing. Praying you experience that strength and peace that only He can provide in times like this. I know He will. Praying for you and your husband.
Jas says
Praying for you tonight Velda from NZ. Lean in to him and he will give you rest x
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
SO true what you said: ” Having faith and trusting God doesn’t magically take away all the worries and make things easy.” That is so true. Having recently come through 2 more surgeries, staring down cancer for a second time and beating it, shingles, my daughter being hospitalized, faith does not magically take away all the worries. It’s a continual process of continuing to turn those fear, anxieties, and worries over to Him. Sometimes it was every 10 minutes, taking those thoughts captive and turning them over to Him. The key I found in all of this is how much my reliance and dependence on the Lord grew. When I was continually having to turn to Him, pray, allow myself to be held, abide, wait on Him, my relationship with Him grew and with that relationship grown came peace, confidence that He would see me through, grace that allowed me to wait for test results knowing I wasn’t ever alone. This has been true through all the trials in my life. It might not look pretty in the coming through, but God does promise to lead us THROUGH the valleys or give us the grace that is sufficient to live with the thorns in our sides He doesn’t remove.
3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Absolutely beautiful, Jennifer. And, what a testimony your story is and it brings glory to God which is what it’s all about.
Blessings,
Bev xx
ps. Sorry so long….
Darlene says
Lord I lift Bev to your throne of grace. I thank you for her and the beautiful testimony she is as she walks through these difficult circumstances. I ask that you will continue to grow her in you as she learns to depend on you more and more. Lord provide her with your peace that passes understanding. Lord may you get the honour, praise and glory!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful testimony this morning. Many blessings to you!
Darlene
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Amen.
Jessica says
You hit the mark with these insights! Beautiful accompaniment to a bold, battlecry devotional reminding me to take captive my 1st response in all situations.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh I love that, Jessica! Yes!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you so much, Bev. I was thinking of that same verse as well… it is such a good one. I am sorry for all the trials you are going through, but it is beautiful to hear how you have grown with Him through them all. Praying for you with confidence!
Janet says
Thank you for writing this. I love your follow up to turning it over- saying it’s not easy and it takes work in prayer. A lot of people say oh just give it to GOD and end of story,so I’m glad you showed me how!!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you, Janet. I often hear that as well… just give it to Him and that seems to be the end of the story. Well… we know it is not as easy as that! Grateful we can support one another in this way. Praying for you today!
EAJ810 says
Today I hand over my future job prospect outcome to job and trust that His will be done and I will receive the courage and strength to endure whatever decision that might be.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
As you hand that over and trust where He is going to lead you, we are praying with you today!
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
I’ve gone through some trials with my aging dad’s dementia. It was scary & hard at times. Like you said trust God & pray always & He will see you through. PSALM 23: When I go through the valley of shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me. We must go through it-not around. Each trial we face makes us stronger & pulls us closer to God. We can sense Him leading each time. We can rejoice in our Lord because He has gotten us through trials before & He will do it again!!!
Blessings 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Your wise words are truth, Beth. Thank you for sharing what you have learned with us. Thank you for the wonderful example. Praying for you!
glory says
I needed to this read this morning. There is a lot of worry right now raising my son and today this verse and reading just allowed me to sit back and say ok. It will be ok.
Thank you!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
I am so glad it was good timing for you, Glory. Praying right over those worries today, for you and your son!
Rebecca L Jones says
Jesus knew we would worry but said it would not change anything. It is His peace that makes the difference.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
It sure does make all the difference, Rebecca. It sure does!
Beth says
I love these verses from Philippians, too, Jennifer! And they always make me think of another of my favorite parts of His Word….Psalm 46:10-11King James Version (KJV) 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. I will never understand how/why He chose me to be His, and I pray I will always praise and thank Him for His mercy and goodness!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh yes, Beth! I love those Words. Praise and thank Him… yes, yes, yes!
hc says
“What worry can I hand over to GOD?” My worry about the harmful effects of the ungodly treatment of our precious, helpless, needy Grandchildren by their own parents, who have been deceived by radical, evil philosophies; refusing to ever allow any help, or suggestions from the Grandparents on either side. It is a horrific and heartbreaking situation to have to endure. And then they are jealous of our relationships with these precious ones we love so much, and greatly limit our times with them. And being cut off for weeks at a time with no recourse. Heartbreaking. These are worries.
Praying, (and fasting for 3 days, a number of times in the past years). Help, heal and protect these precious Grandchildren, O Lord! Please destroy the works of the enemy in all lives, and lead, guide, guard into Your Truth, Your Way, Your Life for all, O Lord! Thank and Praise You for all Your working on behalf of these Grandchildren, O Lord!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Hc, I am so sorry for what you have to endure with this. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to hand that over. Joining you in prayer for these precious children. I know He hears us! Praying for peace in your heart.
Kim says
Thank you for this! I’m facing a relocation this week to a much larger city than where I presently live – which, of course, means a new job as well. We’re having to relocate due to my daughter’s needs for several incurable illnesses. The State in which we presently live doesn’t offer all the services that she needs. There’s no guarantee, however, that she will survive, in any event. My fears over all of this have been getting the best of me lately, and even more so as the day to move creeps closer. I know in whom I believe and know that he is able to correct everything wrong with my daughter, but if that doesn’t happen, I desperately need that peace that only he can give.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
My heart goes out to you, Kim. So sorry for this most difficult path. Praying for that peace only He can provide through it all. Praying for the strength that only He can provide. You are not alone!
Houston says
Lord, I lift so many of these women who commented ahead of me up to you in prayer, Lord you know their needs, their hearts, their hurts. I pray that they will be able to remember to turn those things over to you as many times as they may need each day. I have experienced the peace that can only come from you Lord, it is miraculous and allows us a chance to take in a deep breath and forge ahead, I pray that you will give each of these women that same peace. May they find rest and comfort in you and your word Heavenly Father.
Today I turn over my financial failings to you Lord, you know what they are and you have been leading me through this valley, may I remember to keep my eyes on you through this and to give you praise for your constant and continued provision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.