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Asking God For Help Part 3

Posted by arsindelve on 11/14/2007 11:07:53 AM
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In part one of this series, we looked at the importance and necessity of asking God for help. In part two, we examined the significance of taking an active role in solving those elements of our problems which are under our control, even as we lean on God for help in those areas which are not. Finally, today we will look at the role anxiety plays in letting us know when we have failed to do either of these two things. As Christians, whenever we find ourselves worrying about the outcome of conflict or crisis, it's an indication that there is something we have failed to do, or something we need to stop doing.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand." Phil 4:6-7


What kind of peace is Paul talking about? He is not talking about an absence of conflict, since conflict will unfortunately forever be a part of our lives on this earth. Paul is talking about a lack of anxiety in the face of conflict. He is promising that if we truly give our concerns to God, then we will never have to worry about the outcome.

We may have apprehension about physical or emotional suffering on the horizon; this is perfectly natural. Once again, let us turn to the example of Jesus in the Garden, (Matthew 26:38-39) and take note of the fact that Jesus is troubled by the knowledge of the suffering that he will soon endure, but not the outcome. Jesus knows beyond any doubt that His father in heaven is in charge and that victory over death is assured. We must follow Jesus' example and never forget that God's amazing plan for you will not be circumvented.

How, then, can we possibly have anxiety when such a powerful, loving God is in charge, and what does it mean when we just can't stop worrying about how things are going to turn out?

1) You have not fully trusted God with the outcome.


In the face of conflict, it's normal for us to say a quick prayer asking God for help, but this is not the same as lifting the problem up to God and trusting him with it. Too often, we conclude our prayer and then immediate resume fretting about how we will ever resolve the situation. If the problem keeps you up at nights or occupies your mind constantly, then you have not allowed God to truly be in charge. You are still trying to solve the problem. Only after we allow God to be in charge will the peace which Paul describes begin to flow into us. If we do not have that peace, then we are still trying to be in control.

2) You have not done your part to solve the problem.


When trouble comes, what often seems like unease about the outcome is nothing more than guilt about our failure to do what must be done. We often know exactly what we must do, and our anxiety comes from our failure to act. The irony is that if we would simply do what we know must be done, our anxiety about the outcome would vanish. The example comes to mind of a man who has been cheating on his taxes and stays up nights worrying about when the IRS will finally knock on his door. He can pray to God all he wants that his indiscretion will not be found out, but God will be very reluctant to help until the man comes clean. His worry will not diminish until he finally calls the IRS, confesses what he has done and faces whatever consequences are to come. Immediately, the anxiety will vanish. The man now has a new dilemma wondering what his fate may be, but this is a new issue which he must lift up to God anew, one which God will be much more inclined to support.

Are you worried about getting poor grades in school? What you may really be feeling is guilt for your inadequate study habits. Your anxiety at not being able to find a job may actually be remorse at doing more TV watching than job searching. If you have concerns about your situation, search yourself and really examine how much is worry and how much is actually your guilty conscience. Do whatever you need to do in order to make things right, and then you can come before God with a right heart, truly ask him to take control and implore him to relieve your angst. If you do these things, His amazing peace will follow.

Comments


This was a tremendous help to me. A close family member is dealing with cancer and I have been feeling rather helpless.
anonymous- 11/25/2007 3:42:43 PM

this is such an awesome devotional because i am such a worry wart...... and now I know that I should not worry so much...and put it all in Gods hand.. :D ..... and I also learned to do my part too, and not just put it all on God.
jenn :D
anonymous- 12/14/2007 2:46:26 AM

= ) Thanks once again; this clarified a sketchy topic for me. I'm 15 and for the very first time in my life lost my cell phone...I worried about it for a while (mostly out of disappointment in myself) but then I told myself, "why am I worrying? God has a reason for this and He's going to take care of the problem." My phone hasn't been returned, but my mom deavtivated it only thirty minutes after I'd lost it and I know that everything's going to be fine.
anonymous- 12/16/2007 11:42:10 AM

I worry about my family and wanting support from them and the few friends I still have in my ministry and get nothing from anyone,I try so hard to show love to everyone and get no love back,attack on my job is overwelming and all this happen when I excepted Christ I feel so alone right now don't no what to do but cry,This devotional saved me this morning I felt like giving up thank you.
anonymous- 12/17/2007 10:53:11 AM

This was a great help. This truly helped me
anonymous- 12/23/2007 3:21:49 AM

I think this passage has helped me to realizing the difference between "guilty conscience" and "worry" i am a big time worrier. Right now i am facing one of the most toughest times that iv been through and something i told myself i would never put myself through,i know now that i need to focus more on putting my problem in GODS hands rather than worrying about how im gonna make it right or better. Or how to solve it. I can't all i can do is put it in GODS hand and continue to pray and focus on giving it to him rather than worrying myself. Thank You N. Moore
anonymous- 12/27/2007 1:12:16 PM

These words are so true and often we need to be reminded that it is not our burdon to carry. Surrender ourselves and our troubles to God. If you pick it back up put it down again until you have truly let go and let God.
ramstutz- 12/28/2007 12:46:33 PM

This sums it all up we belong to God and our purpose in life is his puropse in life for us.
anonymous- 1/2/2008 5:09:25 PM

This passage really helped me out a whole lot. I tend to worry a lot and I don't know why. God is the head of my life, and I know he is my provider. Sometimes I handle my finances the wrong way, it be for a good cause but when a bill is due I get real upset with myself. I pray constantly, I trust and believe God will handle all my problems, but I find myself picking it back up and praying and worrying about the situation, whether it's finances, family or whatever. When I just need to let go and let God handle it. I also need to work on my priorities a little better, and just ask God to strengthen me were I am weak. I am one who is in love with Jesus our Lord and Savior, for he is so good. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. Mary Fields
anonymous- 1/6/2008 1:33:46 AM

I usually do very well with knowing that God is in control. A lot is happening at home and work - quickly pouring on the stress. Anxiety has been gnawing on me for the past few days, but I literally felt a blanket of warm, peace this morning after reading this devotional.

The key comment for me was, "If the problem keeps you up at nights or occupies your mind constantly, then you have not allowed God to truly be in charge."
anonymous- 1/7/2008 6:56:49 AM

I NEEDED THAT ADVICE BECAUSE I AM A WORRIER
THANKS SO MUCH
anonymous- 1/8/2008 12:47:41 PM

i know i need to surrender my worries to GOD but i don't know how.
anonymous- 1/10/2008 4:46:15 PM

this helped my worrying smolder and is truly helping me get over my fears for my Best friend
anonymous- 1/15/2008 2:53:40 PM

Thank-You for sharing with me the need to let go and let God. If I worry don't pray and if I pray don't worry. I know that I trust God, this has confirmed to let go and trust God.
anonymous- 1/16/2008 9:19:49 AM

I have been in a battle by not truly turning my health problem over to God. Thanks for sharing that God will take care any problems. Pray for me....I will truly turn all to my precious Lord.
anonymous- 1/23/2008 6:34:58 PM

im learning that we have to truly trust the lord to compleatly bless and cover us and to always fave complete faith that whatever we ask of him thats in is will,will come to pass sooner or later but it will come to pass,im so excited for my answered prayers
jbrayboy- 1/28/2008 10:39:57 PM

I worry about a older child that is not living a Godly life. I prayed that God would lift this worry from me and help her. I was look for somethink to help me and I came on to this thinks
anonymous- 1/30/2008 8:46:26 AM

trust & obey is the answer to complete peace! GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS AS SOON AS WE ASK-INHIS BEST INTEREST FOR OUR FUTURE, WE ARE NOT ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THAT-BUT GOD KNOWS THE BEGINNING TO THE END! ONCE YOU ASK GOD FOR ANTHING-LEARN TO PUT IT AWAY FROM YOUR MIND. WHEN YOU START OUT OF GUILT TO WORRY AGAIN-THEN YOU TAKE AWAY GOD'S GLORY-FOR BEING OUR PROTECTOR! IT TAKES PRACTICE BUT DON'T THINK-THAT GOD ISN'T IN CHARGE-GOD LOVES YOU! LOVE EACH OF YOU & I'M PRAYING CONSTANTLY FOR EACH OF YOU! LOVE, CHRIS
anonymous- 2/5/2008 4:21:57 PM

All to often do I forget to "let go and let God".

Even now, I am faced with opportunity, but getting there is still a stressful thing. I am up too early, and trying to find peace. Stress from worry is a bad habit. So what's the problem? Changes that I feel that I have no control over, but have complete control over my circumstances. In other words - the unknown.

Getting from point A to point B is not the problem for me and most folks, but rather the mess in between. My Pastor teaches that chaos in between point A and point B is what causes the fear - not point A or point B in most cases, for we like point A, and we see being in point B. But getting there (the chaos in between) is what drives the inability to find confidence in the changing of circumstances or the environment.

The question is how to find the Lords Peace while we are in between - at the very time of chaos or even taking the leap from point A.

Prayer, study, goals, envisioning? Of course, but sometimes it takes many times and much practice in calming down just enough that we can get out of Gods way so that he can work?

I believe that the biggest thing is to know that you have done all you can do, and you know what you want to see - so the goal becomes finding faith and courage just in being patient. Letting God work is far easier to say than to do, but the goal of our faith is to practice the doing - which is simply to "be still, and KNOW that I am Lord".

I have come to realize that this is something that is learned by fasting in faith, for it puts your body and your mind through the practice of chaos (for many benefits) as you set your mind to take the leap from point A (1st day of fasting) to point B (last day of fasting). There is much nervousness and edgy-ness for the beginner, and much calm for the practiced. Does it take away the fear of problems? No, but the practice (as well as other forms) helps to bring you into control of how you respond to you, as well as how you focus and bring your faith in.

So, off I go into my challenge to practice this devotional.

I welcome your prayers for John in West Seattle, Washington (losing job, lost mother in law a week ago, need serious dental work urgently, mother going through cancer treatment).

God bless you all.


anonymous- 2/8/2008 10:50:41 AM

I really needed this devotional. I have been a real mess for a while. I have suffered from depression that started with the loss of my dad a few year back. This I know there was no need in, because I know my dad was ready to go, he died of cancer and heart failure, but he made sure we knew he was ready to go to Jesus. It just hurt more than I should have let it. Then other things happened, we moved away from family, something I have never been away from. But I know that was Gods doing, because I have gotten a lot better understanding of Him and His will for me. I have learned that family is great but God is greater and can do and stand by you better than anyone. I am, I guess you can say a control freak. I have to know or see the outcome for everything before I can relax, not good. Because God has His on vision and time table. So in the process of me waiting on Him I develope an immense case of anxiety. But praise His great name, He is teaching me. That is how I found this site. I have been praying for Him to help me understand and finally I calmed down enough to "wonder" here. God in His wisdom led me and at the right time. So thanks to Him and thanks to you, I think He gave you the right words and I found them at the right time--God's time.
anonymous- 3/11/2008 3:58:18 PM

thanks a lot for this eye opening messages. i am really a worrier person, since i know that God is in control, but still i do worryiing, thinking of maybe God had a lot of problems to solve and he might solve mine later, but now i realize that he is really in control of everything, that everything happen is with his plan. And his plan is for the better. tnx.
anonymous- 3/13/2008 4:51:12 AM

i tend to worry about my health my family and my business most of all i worry about pleasing God i know that i know he loves me and has a great plan for my life i just have to learn to activate more faith please pray for me.
JB
jbrayboy- 3/15/2008 9:58:37 PM

I didn't realise that Jesus is willing to bear our cross for us. I think we still need to help ourselves (ie. do all we can on this earth) to ease our situation. But when we know that there is nothing else we can do, we need to trust Jesus. He has DEFINITELY looked after me in the past, taking care of things of which I had absolutely no control. I am confident that he'll do the same in my current situation again as I know he only wants the best for me. I will do my best this week to trust him completely!
anonymous- 3/23/2008 6:48:47 AM

To God be the Glory! This devotion has been a great help. It was just confirmation to what I have been thinking. We should not worry, because God is in control of all things, every trial, problem and, our life. We should let go and let God be in control.

anonymous- 4/9/2008 8:57:18 AM

Thank you for sharing insight on God"s loving kindness and faithfulness. Like the others I have read, I too needed to hear this wisdom. Recently a man broke into my home. He kidnapped , beat, stabbed, and strangled me over a long period of time. I never new fear like this before. My God is my only hope for recovery from anxious moments.
anonymous- 4/9/2008 2:56:37 PM

I, too am a professional worrier. I try not to worry, but it seems that I just can't get thinks off of my mine. The Lord has really been good to me! I know He still is being good to me! I know that he is teaching me patience and trust at this time. Just a few weeks ago my husband and I found out something about one of our children that was devistating. This was something that was totally unexpected and unacceptable because it is not only wrong in our sight, it is wrong in Gods sight. He told us that he was homosexual. We tried to explain to him that we would always accept him, but we would never be able to accept his behavior. He became very upset that we were unwilling to accept the lifestyle he had chosen. He said that we should accept it because it was him and was who he was. I was completely devistated and just could not control my tears. We then met with our pastor and he assured us that we were approaching this matter in the right way. Although we accepted my son and our love for him will never change, we could not ever accept the lifestyle. I pray daily about this. I thought that I would be next to a breakdown over the next few weeks, but God has sustained me. I wanted God to heal him and change his heart right then, but He is teaching me patience. I have put my son in His hands and I know that in His perfect timing my son will change. I know this because God said if we ask and believe that he will answer our prayer.
This child was dedicated to God at birth and has been in church all of his life. God will teach us and our son something through this trial. I still think about this alot, but my heart does not sink and I don't cry. I know the only reason that I am getting through this and surviving emotional outburst is because God has assured me that He is in Control and He is watching over my son! Thanks for your devotion. It really affirmed my faith and was exactly what I needed for today!! Any one reading this, please pray for my son. Although you don't know his name God will know who you are praying for! Thanks God is good all the time! All the time God is good!
VS 21708
anonymous- 4/17/2008 10:17:43 AM

Thank you for this devotional make me think the I really need to let God control my worries, my problems.
anonymous- 5/2/2008 10:24:39 AM

I needed this today, I have been so worried about my daughter and grandson moving away. I have asked the Lord to watch over them, and yet still held on to my worries and fears that they will not be safe. Each time I feel the stress and worries return I pray for Him to take control and trust his will shall be done. I trust the Lord will not give my daughter more than she can handle and I know and trust that he will watch over my grandson.
anonymous- 5/15/2008 2:07:59 PM

God bless us all- I am currently between jobs and I am praying for a great new opportunity. I still go thru a lot of worries and fears. I have been reading lots of positive books and speaking positive, but it is tough. I pray for all of us.
anonymous- 5/20/2008 2:50:55 PM

For many years, we've had tremendous financial trials. My husband had to change careers, going from earning 50-100/hr to 8/hr. After changing careers many times, he finally landed himself in a program that started at 8.50 but he's earned his way up to 20.That took 9 years. I am finally earning a decent wage. YOu see, we had 3 children, all 1.5 yrs apart. Coulnd't afford daycare. Though our many trials, God's hand has been with us all the time. We were finally able to purchase a house. It's been hard, but He's been faithful. Then I had the death of both of my parents within 2 years and the death of my sister followed 6 months later. I didn't think I could take any more. My heart was broken. As I healed, again, I felt the presence of God. Now, I have some of my greatest challenges. During a period when I was laid off due to downsizing, my son was in a car accident without insurance because I had to choose between utilities and car insurance. Now they are suing us. I had a lawyer, pro-bono, but now I processed paperwork late (I didn't know there was a deadlind) and they want to come after my husband and our house. I had my car reposessed for the March payment, it was taken early April. They never warned me. I had every intention of paying it in one week, but now, it's one more thing n my credit to ruin me. My second son was accepted into Mizzou for Journalism (1 in the country) but I can't secure financing. We are not poverty for grants but earn too little for additional loans (took some out for the first son). He has no credit and I can't co-sign. My son needs a co-signer which I cannot do. We've sacrificed everything to keep them in good schools and to get to college, just to have the doors closed. Finally, my husband and my daughter have anger issues. Because these things are going on, my husband cannot handle the stress and his anger can get really ugly. My daughter can be extremely stubborn and refuses to back down from him. I came home last night to see them fighting and I was overwhelmed with guilt, sadness, anxiety. They both hurt each other deeply. I know I still have lessons to learn from this, but boy, do I need a break. My husband and I should be getting ready to retire but we have nothing. Makes one feel hopeless. My anxiety attacks are so severe, I shake, cry, can't focus, I'm dizzy, nauseaus. They consume me. It takes all of my effort at times like these to refer to: Philippians 4 or Matthew 6.
I am glad I found this site because it is the first step to remembering Peace in Trials. Just remember, when we are in spiritual warfares, God will always show us our refuge. Just make sure you take it. It could be someone you least expect or a situation that you never would have considered. Keep the Peace in God. He is faithful.
anonymous- 5/21/2008 12:37:36 PM

God bless you and your family. You will see a miracle! My prayers are with us all.
anonymous- 5/21/2008 2:01:44 PM

sometime, i worries a lot, and that shake my foundation about serving God because when i see other who do not serve God prospering it worries me, but thank God for this site.
i have seen that the thought of man is not God thought and that in fullness of time he will surely answer us,to his glory.amen
anonymous- 5/29/2008 3:27:52 PM

I am a horrific worrier, but now I have something very specific to worry about. My son is being tested for kidney disease/bladder disease; it could be nothing or it could be as severe as cancer. He is only 8 years old. Having said this, I know that the trials my family are enduring today are related to our needing to draw together as a family and placing our Lord and Savior Jesus at the center of our family. We have been going to church, saying grace, doing all the outwardly things, but our "walk with the Lord" has fallen short. Also, as parents, we are not training our children up in the ways of the Lord as much as we should and could; we are too much of this world and that needs to change. As a result of our worry and fear, we have really come together as a family in prayer and have lifted up our needs to the Lord, are drawing closer to him and letting go of the worldly things that we have so sought after. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I am praying and believing in complete healing and that my son will move forward and will glorify the Lord! I have lifted this up to the Lord and have really felt much more at peace; this is not to say that I don't still get "attacked" by the enemy, but I rebound quickly. I am praying for everyone that has commented on this site; what a joy to know that we as brothers and sisters in Christ can come together and pray for one and another knowing the power behind such prayer and that our God is every faithful...Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow! Please pray for my family and my son; thank you all.
anonymous- 6/18/2008 1:21:59 PM

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