Don’t worry about anything.
Pray about everything. Tell God what you need.
And thank Him for all He has done. (Phil. 6:4, NLT)
I meet with a group of guys on Saturday mornings to memorize verses and talk life. This one rattled around in my brain for a few weeks. Whenever a worry popped into my mind, this verse came up. It reminded me to pray and know that God is in control. It prompted me to remember all that He has done and where He has brought me. But the most unexpected effect of this verse for me was “tell God what you need.”
In my moment of panic, worry, or anxiety I found myself asking—“God, what do I need?”
There was an instance last week where I was about to walk into a [knowingly] uncomfortable confrontation. I didn’t want to be a part of the conversation. I didn’t even want to see this person. But I knew that it had to be done. I asked God for courage, His validation of me as His son, and to know that I am loved. The outcome of any single conversation wouldn’t alter that.
I don’t think I anticipated how oblivious I am to what I need. Or much more, how to communicate it. Memorizing this verse has put me on the path to a better, more authentic prayer life.
The amazing this is, God already knows what I need. He knows what will meet that need and how best to meet it. Telling God what I need is really for me so I can have a fuller knowledge of what goes on in my cloudy heart and see Him work to bring light into it’s darkest corner.
Lord,
Knowing that you are sovereign, I won’t worry about anything. I will submit everything to you in prayer. You know what I need—thanks for helping me recognize it and bringing me to this place. Amen.
Sixty-six books in a year 