Different challenges surround us daily. As I try to handle them alone, I am easily overwhelmed and dragged down. Regularly coming to God for help is my best strategy.

Here are some godly principles behind each verse relating to “worry”.​

 ​1.  Turn worries into opportunities to seek Him daily​

Jesus repeats “do not worry” in Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:22-32. The verses emphasise the divine care God shows us, and He expects us to shift our focus from worries to seeking His Kingdom and living righteously. He wants us to focus on living each day, without behind encumbered by the worries of tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). ​

The strategy of seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness seems irrelevant but consider carefully: Jesus is leading us to focus on what’s achievable each day, while we leave the rest to Him.

This means letting Him deal with the God-sized issues not meant for us to bear. ​

My small group members know about my recent prayer request on work issues.

There was no way I could settle them by my own strength.

I pressed on and did my very best as though I was serving Christ regardless of my environment. Thanks and praise be to God for answering our prayers.

God answered it by shifting me into new responsibilities through staff changes. He removed work issues and gave me new job scopes. The new opportunity may be equally or more challenging, but I trust He will strengthen me in the coming days.​

I know that God is doing great things in your life, too, because He cares about every single aspect of you.

Tell Him about your every worry and invite our tender Shepherd to soothe your body and soul. ​

2. Turn worries into thanksgiving​

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)​

Recall your life in the past week, month, year, or even decade. Do you notice His great deeds? How did He lead you out of difficulties? Who did He send to care and help you? What were the outcomes of those choices when you sought His will?​​

Remembering God’s faithfulness and counting our blessings remind us of how He has led, guided, and protected us thus far. Let us give thanks and sing praises to our Creator.

As promised, His peace will guard our hearts and minds regardless of the difficulties we face.

3. Give control to God​

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (Psalms 55:22)​​

Perhaps you feel like life is out of control right now, but the Bible tells us to proactively relinquish the control to our God.

Consider what you are worrying about, which areas you are striving to take control, and ask God to show you how to release it.​​

It takes practice to let go but once we release it, we are putting our feet on His firm foundation.

May you learn to present your worries to the Lord and experience His everlasting peace.

This devotion was first published by Yio Chu Kang Chapel and has been republished with permission. 

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