When I heard a godly man say that when we worry, we are actually practicing atheism, I felt convicted. He said that by worrying, we were totally disregarding the fact that we, as followers of Christ, have a heavenly Father who has promised to protect us and provide all our needs. And we were acting like orphans without any hope or help in this world.

If we look intently at the verses above written by the apostle Paul, we can see that it’s God’s will for Christ to displace worry at the center of our lives. When we “fret or worry,” it’s because we have taken our eyes off of our Savior, and either we are not praying about our concerns, or our prayers have no real faith behind them. Then our burdens can become unbearable.

Scripture says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) How do we know when we are really trusting God to take care of us and our concerns? Peace floods our minds and hearts, and worry dissolves and disappears. One of the best ways to focus on God’s goodness and graciousness toward His children is to read and meditate on His promises. When we are reminded that Jesus said, “Be sure of this – that I am with you always, even to the end of the world,” fear and anxiety have to flee from us. (Matthew 28:20 TLB)

Are you worried about your finances today? God has promised to be your Provider. (Philippians 4:19) Perhaps you are concerned about your health. Remember that the Lord has promised to be your Healer. (Exodus 15:26) Maybe you are facing injustice and oppression. God has vowed to be your Vindicator. (Isaiah 54:17) When you begin to worry about anything – “Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.” Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord, I regret all the time and energy that I have spent fretting and worrying. Please work in my mind and heart so that whenever I start to worry, I will promptly pray about my concerns, and praise You for Your goodness. Help me to spend time in Your Word and promises each day in ways that will build and bolster my faith. Thank You for sustaining me with Your unshakeable peace as I live a Christ-centered life!