“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).

Do not worry. Do not worry about how much you worry. Do not let your heart be pulled apart by the economy, family troubles, money, corruption, failures, or any other problem you may encounter. Do not let your trust in a good and loving Father be divided by anxiety over the future, because you do not (and cannot) control the future.

It seems impossible to live a life free from worry, doesn’t it? Everyone has problems and everyone desires to control them. This struggle for control breeds more anxiety, though, and God calls us to live a life under His power, not our own. The alternative to anxiety is this: “Through prayer with thanksgiving, bring your requests before God.”

But how does this counter the effects of worry? Every time you petition God, you put yourself in a posture of humility and surrender. You’re recognizing your need for His help, trusting that He will provide for all your needs (Phil. 4:19). This alleviates anxiety and replaces it with faith that trusts against all odds, in every circumstance.

Today, unclench your hands and give the Lord control of your life. Let your worries be replaced with trust, and let your heart be filled with thanksgiving.