Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Oh my goodness, this is the hardest thing to do but the most amazing thing to do too.  Life can be crazy.  You know it.  I know it.  Today was my oldest son’s birthday and he invited 4 friends over for the weekend.  My youngest son had a basketball tournament this morning and he invited a friend to spend the weekend too.  My middle son called me while I was at the tournament to let me know he was going to a movie with a friend this afternoon and needed a ride.  I needed to get my nails done and my parents came in from Waxahachie to see the tournament and celebrate the birthday.  How on earth was I going to manage everything that was going on today AND write a devotional?

I could have stressed about it all day.  I could have gotten grumpy or short tempered with everyone.  But instead, I took a deep breath and I prayed about it.  I thanked God that I have a big, crazy family.  I thanked God for birthdays and friends and fun.  I thanked God that my children are healthy and love to play sports (because I love to watch them play) and I thanked God that my parents live close enough that they can come visit me and the boys any time.  I requested God’s presence in my day, then I used my God given talents of time management (ha ha) and we worked together to get everything done. 

You may think that a busy day is not the kind of request that Philippians 4:6 is talking about.  But it is.  It says not to be anxious about ANYTHING, but in EVERYTHING, present your requests to God.  Nothing is too small or too BIG to present to our Father in heaven.  He wants us to share everything with him that is bothering us and making us feel anxious.  So, present your sickness, present your financial burdens, present your broken relationships, present your doubts and fears, but present your busy day too.  Present your indecision about the paint color you are trying to choose.  Present the challenges of finding the right outfit for your next date.  Nothing is too trivial for our God.

Besides, it says in Matthew 6:27 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”  So my advice to you is simple . . . Give it to God.  He is much better equipped to deal with the stress than I am.

Lord, thank you for loving me so much.  Help me to remember that you are my rock and strength and that you alone can carry all my burdens.  Amen.