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 4:6-7 (CSB)

Our minds are filled to capacity, cluttered with the latest news on vaccines and COVID precautions or the details of care needed for our aging parents or the anxieties of everyday life as we try to get to the end of the day. We hunch over our desks as we work from home, and we wonder what else we can whip together from the leftovers of yesterday’s meals. The days stretch longer and yet pass us by, and somehow we’re almost a year into this pandemic. The accumulation of everything we’ve had to deal with has made life feel like too much, and the understatement of this year (again) is that we are weary.

And yet, if we’re honest, sometimes it’s easier to stay busy, to keep going at an unsustainable pace, because we don’t want to face the anxieties and realities that are right under the surface. Keeping our hands and minds busy feels productive, and worrying about every possible what-if situation can give the illusion that we’re in control. But worry, control, busyness — none of those things give us true peace.

Instead, true peace comes from having the right posture. When we pray, petition, and present our requests to God, we become grounded again. We remember that God is still real, He’s still present, He’s still in control.

When our minds start to unravel, let’s practice this posture:

Open palms.
Deep, slow breaths.
Our bodies, our minds, our hearts surrendered and at rest.

And as we do, let’s bring all our worries to God and receive His peace.

How can we pray for you?

Are your hearts full of worry? Let’s share them in the comments below and come to God in prayer. Remember to write out a prayer for the person who commented before you.

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