Don't You Worry Devotional by Toni LaShaunنموونە

The Simple Answer

Cast all your cares on Him

Kneel and pray, just give thanks, and keep believin'

There are several places in the Bible that address how we are to handle our everyday cares and our unexpected adversities. First, God encourages us to cast our cares on Him. In fact, this command, not guideline or preference, appears in the Old and New Testaments (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7). So, obviously, He really means it. And, God wants them all; the great and the small.

God wants us to bring every care to Him; not just the ones we cannot handle ourselves. God is not too busy. We are not bothering Him. Yes, God loves our adoration and praise. Yes, He longs for our confession and repentance. But, God also listens to our every care, every desire, every need, and every obstacle. Why? Peter says, "for He cares for you." God’s love for us is so great, and, as if sending His Son to die for our sins was not enough, He wants a real, intimate relationship with us where we talk to Him about all the things. So, once we realize that we can bring all of our cares to God, the next step is simply to do it.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT

God doesn't just say "don't be anxious"; He tells us what to do instead. Pray. Pray about everything. Prayer is a simple conversation with God. Tell Him what's on your mind; what's troubling your heart. But, it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. Also, think about how God has blessed you. Thank Him. There's nothing you can say to God that will shock or surprise Him. He already knows, but because of His Love and Grace, He wants to spend time with us.

This prayer time is not about giving God your wish list (or worry lists) and then suggesting to Him how to fix everything. This is about seeking God's face, spending time in His presence, and submitting to His Will. God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He knows exactly what He's doing and when and how and why. Our job is to simply trust Him. When we reflect back on what He has done, we're sure to realize that He's always worked things out for our good.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the simple answer to anxiety. Thank You for listening to all of our cares. Thank You for desiring a real relationship with us, so that we don't have to be afraid to bring anything and everything to You. Lord, please help us lay it all down and leave it with You. In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen!