A Call to Prayer

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A Call to Prayer

by Gail Rodgers

Whenever we find ourselves eaten up with worry, fear, anxiety, or devoured by the pressures of the day, God tells us to take note. Being consumed is a red flag and God gives us directions for just such times.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:7).

There is an enemy of our souls and his goal is to devour us. God tells us to be alert. Take note when you are being consumed by something. Scripture tells us the enemy of our soul comes to kill, steal and destroy and we are to be watchful. Being consumed by fear, worry, gossip, a particular temptation or the pressures of the day will, at best, steal from you and rob you of peace in your soul and joy in the moment. At worst it can destroy health and relationships and your fellowship with the God who wants to help you.

So what do you do when you realize something is just eating you up? You resist as the scripture says. How do you resist? You begin to see worry as a call to prayer, inviting God into your circumstance to direct you and give you wisdom. You resist worry through prayer. (Phil. 4:6) You resist fear through Scripture, knowing God has said that He has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). You stand firm in your faith knowing that the consuming downward spiral you find yourself in is not your Heavenly Father’s plan for you.

God cares about you. Remember: Your worry is a call to prayer. List the things that tend to devour you. Release them from your heart and mind by giving them to God in prayer.

Ask God to take the things on your heart and to give you His peace in return. Be prepared to ask for His strength to resist your worries each time they threaten to overwhelm you. Exchange your worries, in prayer, for God’s peace.

~Father in Heaven,
Thank you for showing me that worry is really a call to prayer. Help me to be alert and to run to You when I am being eaten up with worry or fear. Thank you that I can throw my cares into Your lap and stand firm in Your promises. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.