Introduction: Do you ever worry? Probably yes. Why do you worry? Can you keep from worrying? Jesus Christ has a “CURE for CARE” that can save you thousands and thousands of dollars!
Will you give Him a try? Follow these two steps:
1. The Nagging Problem of CARE – WORRY! (Phil. 4:6) – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Interesting that the word “careful” is the word μεριμνάω, which means to be anxious, or it can even mean to be “distracted.” Wow! Most of us can relate, especially to being distracted. Are you distracted? Honestly, in this day and time, there are multiple distractions all around us. Staying focused on God’s will and being Spirit-filled is becoming more and more challenging. Do you agree? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the things going on around you? People? Problems? Responsibilities? Families? etc.
So truthfully, the first step to being kept from ANXIETY is admitting that we are anxious at times. Do you agree? If so, then we can move on to God’s PROVISION for worry.
2. The Amazing PROVISION of CARE – PRAYER! (Phil. 4:6–7) – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The word “supplication” is δέησις (deh’-ay-sis), which can be translated petitions. Better yet, it means telling God our needs. Do you make supplications—tell God your needs? Somebody might ask why we should do that since He knows our every need. The answer is at least twofold. First and foremost, He wants a RELATIONSHIP with His children just like you do. This involves both talking and listening.
Next, Jesus emphasized, along with other biblical writers, the importance of being persistent in prayer without using vain repetitions (Luke 11; 18; Matt. 7:7–8, etc.). Think about it. We have an infernal enemy that also can withstand our prayers (Dan. 10; Eph. 6:10–18). Are you persistent in prayer?
Remember: Prayer is not the vehicle where we get a reluctant God to get in on our agenda; rather, it is the method whereby we get in on His agenda as we pray in faith. Why worry when you can pray?
Conclusion: Lastly, “give thanks” in your prayers. Now, go and let somebody else know that the “CURE for CARE” is “PRAYER.”
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
