Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 6:30 (NIV)
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
Lord God,
Your Word tells me to be anxious about nothing, to not worry about what I will eat or drink or wear. Christ, you encourage me to pause and reflect on the flowers that scatter through the fields. Though they are left exposed to the elements, they fear nothing because they know you supply everything.
I must confess that I rarely pray for bare essentials. You have provided my soul with shelter from life’s beating wind and rain, everlasting water for every season, and spiritual sustenance from your Word. Too easily, I take these indescribable gifts for granted, neglecting thanksgiving and, instead, focusing on what I don’t yet have. Forgetting that your Word tells me in Ephesians 1:3 that you have already blessed me with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus.
God, grant me the remembrance to thank you for not only the bare necessities but for sustaining and fulfilling my heart’s desires in ways that you know are best. Help me recall that I truly have little to worry about when you supply everything I need and more. Meanwhile, bless me with patience when my heart is worried about my surplus–when unexpected bills cause a change to my plans or bolted doors alter my course.
Help me accept that the pursuit of overabundance causes fear, but your word reminds us in Isaiah 26:3 that “You keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast because they trust in you.” Help me surrender the world’s fears, what-ifs, and need for control at your feet as you teach me to trust you more fully.
Remind my heart to pause and remember the flowers scattered in the fields, Father. They never need an overabundance to grow. In fact, they don’t want too much water or too much sun. They find peace and purpose in letting you supply just what they need. Their peace comes from the steady assurance that you are the only one who can supply the perfect measure of blessings, and as a good God, the surplus isn’t found solely in what you pour out or shine on us but in who you are.
Make me anxious about nothing because who you are is everything I need.
In Your Holy Name, I pray, Jesus,
Amen
