Shaping Worries into Prayers

Sharon JaynesMarriage, Prayer, Relationships 119 Comments

Sharon Jaynes July 12th Blog Post

Harper and I were having a visit on Facetime. This five-year-old bundle of love, my niece’s daughter, was telling me all about her Guinea pig, Skittles. Skittles was her new best friend. He went down the sliding board with her, nibbled on baby carrots at tea parties across from her, and nestled in the mini stroller in front of her during walks. Oh, how she loved Skittles.

“I had a Guinea pig when I was a little girl, too!” I shared. “His name was Oscar!”

“You did? What happened to Oscar?” she asked. “Did you give him away or did he die? Do Guinea pigs go to heaven?”

I was not expecting those questions and wished I had kept my Guinea pig history to myself. When we said our goodbyes, I realized that Harper, even at five-years-old, was worried about her little friend. She was anxious about Skittles’ future. Goldie the goldfish had a short life, and well, do Guinea pigs live longer?

It seemed such a small thing…what was going to happen to Skittles in the long run? And then I wondered if my anxious thoughts seem like small things to God.

I worry about my son and then I remember that God has a host of angels surrounding him (Psalm 91:11-12). Protecting Steven is a small thing.

I grow anxious about Covid and then I remember that all my days were numbered before there was even one of them (Psalm 139:16).

It is so easy to fall into the trap of worrying about world events, particularly wars and rumors of war we are hearing about in the news right now. The media shows us horrific details of bombed-out buildings and burned-out homes. People fleeing and parents weeping.

And I get anxious. I grow worried.

Then God reminds me of Who He is and What He does through the Scripture I read time and time again. He runs things. He is not aloof. He is not absent in life’s happenings. As He told Moses at the burning bush, He sees, He hears, He is concerned (Exodus 3:7).

I need to remember that God has a plan for history—it is providential and not accidental. The word “providential” means “to see before,” to have a particular end or goal in mind. What happens in history and with you and me is not happenstance. He is in control of the sacred and secular – world history and my history.

God said: “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish” (Isaiah 46:9-10 NLT).

I imagine God saying, Oh honey, don’t worry about what’s going on in the world at large or in your life right now. The happenings are not a surprise to Me. I’m still in control. I’m still on my throne. And remember, nothing is too difficult for Me. Your worries may loom large for you, but they are not too difficult for Me.

So what do we do when those anxious feelings creep in? We pray and give our burdens and worries to God (Psalm 55:2).

Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

A paraphrase of that verse says it this way: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (The Message).

Don’t you love that: “Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers.” I don’t know what you’re anxious about today, but I do know God is in control. And He is good.

If you believe that, leave a comment and say, “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the Omnipotent God Who takes care of every need and calms every anxious heart. I give You my worries and concerns, knowing that You are in control, and You always have a good plan. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

 

Now consider what is happening in your life today. What can you be sure of as you ponder today’s devotion? Leave a comment and complete this sentence. I am trusting that God will __________ in my life.

Praying for Husband Book

 

For wives, one of the most important things you can do is to pray for you husband. In Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe: A Daily Guide to Scriptural Prayer, Sharon shows you how to cover your husband in powerful prayer from his mind and what he thinks about, his heart and what he loves, all the way down to his feet and the path he takes. Get your copy of this 30-day guide to powerful prayer.

 

 

 

 

 

© 2022 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.

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Comments 119

    1. I am trusting that God will bring healing in my life and my family life and bring me the right business, job and ministry that he has for me!!!!

    2. I don’t know what God is doing in my life, but I trust him. I really needed to read this, having serious anxiety today, praying about it also

    3. Praying for you to see the good in God even when you don’t understand and to trust Him. He gives us trials to shape us for what’s coming next.

    4. Please pray for a lady who is having surgery and doesn’t have money to pay her bills or rent. That God will help her. She is very depressed

    5. I don’t know what God is doing in the lives of all my children. I will learn to trust and know something good will come out of this.

      1. Sometimes my phone does not type what I say. I need to review better before sending. I do trust him he’s taken care of me for 63 years. I’m not always understand his ways but I know that they work for my good and his glory. Thank you for your kind words.

  1. I am trusting that God will reveal an amazing future with my husband. One where neither of us feels doubt. One where we have enough trust in God to calm those abandonment fears that cause us to pull away from each other instead of toward each other. Our God is bigger than all that and I know I can trust Him to work in ways I can’t even imagine. I look forward to seeing His plan play out in our lives so others will know Him more.

  2. I know what He is doing in my life!!! God has restored my relationship with my daughter, and He has provided a wonderful solution to a long standing health problem-all while waiting for me to FINALLY give up a stubborn stronghold and be obedient to Him! Praise God!! He is so good, and so faithful!

  3. I am trusting God for my daughter’s path towards another baby through IVF. I pray for His Will to be done.

  4. “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good! I am trusting that God will take care of me in my life. My husband went home to be with the Lord July 6,2022. I suffered for two plus years… a stroke, diabetes, congestive heart failure, arthritis , and was unable to stand or walk. He was in a lot of pain all the time. But the Lord was merciful and took him home and now he has no more pain, he was healed God’s way. I was married 41 years to my first husband who is also home with the Lord. And married to my second husband 17 years. Having just turned 80 I have seen so many wonderful things the Lord has done. I know he is with me and claim his promise to take care of widows and orphans. He is always with me. Love and blessings to you, Becky

  5. This was a comfort for me…my oldest son Jason has distanced himself from us,no return calls or texts. He is unsaved but was taught as a child. Praying for his return like the prodical

    1. Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 A verse all of us parents can cling to, praying for you and your family.

    2. Pamela,
      I am in the same situation here. My son, Daniel, has left our family with no contact and no visits. Such heartache I never thought I would experience. We brought him up in a good Bible teaching church until he moved away for college. Then he changed.
      Nothing hurts more than having an adult child who is lost and also choosing to live his life without his family. God knows what it will take to bring him back to Him and to us.

  6. I am trusting that God will be with me as I’m caring for my elderly mother and calm my worries
    I so love reading your writings. You are such a blessing.

  7. Thank you! I really needed this today. My husband of almost 17 years told me that he wants a divorce. I have found out that he is having an affair with his manager that is 20 years younger then him. I found a receipt that he had with a pregnancy test purchased. It must have been negative, because he is not bringing up divorce as much. He has stoop going to church with us. He has started drinking wine, when he is away. He has a very controlling personality. He doesn’t know the other evidence that I have about his affair. Any time I questioned him he gets really angry. He tells me I don’t trust him and that’s why he should file for divorce. Some people from my church say I need to confront him, my lawyer friends say wait and keep this for when he does file and it goes to court. Some other Christian friends say not to confront him if I want to save our marriage. They say to pray for God’s will to be done in my life. I have four minor children. Which keeps me pretty busy. My husband has lost interest in the children as well. It is like he is going through a midlife crisis. He went through one 3 years ago. This time it is worse. He is focused on being rich with money instead of love. He only sees them for minutes a day. I could use prayer. Any advice of a book or devotional that could give me guidance? Thank you again!

      1. Stand strong and cover him in prayer. God always answers his promises. All about timing. He’s still in control. He loves our faithfulness in giving it over to Him. Blessings my friend.

    1. Mary, I wish I had advice of some kind. I’m sitting here reading your post and feel so sad for you. It seems that you don’t really have a marriage. He’s cheating and holding divorce of your head is abusive. You are worthy to be loved and cherished. I can’t tell you what I would do, but I don’t move from the house or he can use it against you as “abandonment.” I suggest you talk with your pastor, He may have books or suggest counselors who might can help you. I’m saying a prayer for you as I type this. I’m so sorry you are having to live with this. Personally,unless he is physically abusive, I would confront him about the pregnancy test (after you hide the receipt). You might even want to give it to your lawyer friend. I pray God will heal all of you.

    2. Praying for you, Mary.; that you will know God’s will and feel His arms holding you up as you go forward. Blessings to you

  8. I am trusting that God will turn things around in my life.

    Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

    I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”

    This was for me today!! Hallelujah

  9. I don’t know what God’s doing but I know it’s good.

    I am trusting that God will be in control in my life.

  10. I don’t know what God is doing, but I know it is good.

    I am trusting that God is protecting and working through my adult children’s lives.

  11. So very grateful for this devotion. It came at the perfect time. Anxiety and fear take over from time to time!. I know who’s in control! Let that thought sink in and put my mind and heart at rest

  12. I really needed this. The future of my current job is uncertain. I already know that it is going to come to an end, I just don’t know when. It could be days, weeks or months, but it most likely will be before the end of the year. I have been incredibly anxious about finding a new job. Thank you for the reminder that the Lord is already there. He already knows.

  13. Regardless of what worries I have God has a plan and He’s in control. His plans are good and I just have to trust in Him.

  14. I am trusting that God will give me the wisdom that I need to walk in His perfect will concerning preparing and trying my cases in court in my life.

  15. Today I’m anxious about my husband having seizures. He’s been having since April & that was at work & if someone had not caught him he would have fell into a machine. He’s been in hospital twice & several trips to the ER. They are sending him to Baptist 7/21. We are both praying fervently. Thank you for today’s devotion.

  16. I am trusting that God will help me navigate the last phase of my mother’s life and work everything for good. I am so lost and unprepared for the responsibility and decisions that must now be made regarding her ability to continue to live alone or bringing her into my home. Between finding a workable solution to office hours at my job in order to be in there for my mom and the obvious life changes that this move would mean for my family I am totally overwhelmed. I don’t know what God’s doing but I know it will be good. I don’t know what God’s doing but I also know I need His hand in mine to guide me down this unfamiliar path.

  17. I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good! I know no can trust God. He is always working-even when we can’t see it.

  18. I am trusting that God will restore and replace everything that I have lost in my life…. Thank you Jesus, am giving you all the praise today…. To God be the Glory, great things he has done..

  19. I am trusting that God will help me to navigate all aspects of being a teacher and a coach in my 24th year as an educator. I don’t know what He’ll do, but I know it will be good!

  20. I am trusting God with everyday He gives me and yes He is still in control. We have to listen to His voice before we make a step. I thank Him for His word and our holy Bible. Nothing takes God by surprise. Be encouraged everyone.

  21. I don’t know what God is doing but I know it’s good and I do trust him.

    I am trusting and believing that He will heal my heart and relationships and cover my family and friends with love

  22. I know God is in control and He has a good plan for me and my loved ones and that He has already won the victory for me. I am trusting that God will give me peace that passes human understandin in my life.

  23. Thanks for this beautiful message! And it reminds me the the most frequent command in all scripture is “Do not fear!”

  24. I’m trusting that God will work all things together for the good of my marriage and bring complete healing and total restoration on earth, as it is in heaven.

  25. I don’t know what God is doing but I know that it is good. I am trusting that God will heal my daughter physically, mentally, and spiritually so that she will be at peace and do great things with her life.

  26. So true. I love that translation of the familiar philipians passage. I have grown so much lately as i dig into God’s Word and journal my prayers and scripture and devotionals. Learning how to let petitions and praises turn my worries into prayers. Beautiful. I am trusting the holy spirit to empower me to let those praises come out of my lips for my family to hear just as freely as it comes from my pen. He will break the chains that tie me down. Praise God.

  27. I don’t know what’s God is doing but I know it’s good. I have to hold on to him no matter what and I will be honest it’s hard at times but God is all I got.

  28. I don’t know what God is doing, but I know it is good!
    My husband died at the end of May after an episode of Acute Chronic Heart Failure brought on by Acute COPD and coupled with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. He signed himself into Hospice care on a Wednesday afternoon and he passed away early on Friday morning of the same week. We had known each other since we were 12 years old and we had been married 38 years. He depended on me for many things and I depended on him as well.
    Unless you have walked this grief path, you have no idea what it is like to lose your spouse. It is by far the hardest, loneliest thing that I have been through. Trying to navigate this new normal requires that you have someone to help you through the hard times. God has done that with me. He has and will continue to help me with the financial situation. He has provided for me and will continue to do so; of that I have no doubt. He has eased my troubled heart many times over the past few weeks, especially when I have been sick.
    I praise His name for the things that he has done and will continue to do for me and my family each day.
    I know that God will continue to work in my financial situation and He will provide!

  29. We are having doubts and fears, with all that happening in the world today. I thank God and you for providing what we need to hear at the right time 🙏

    Thanks again, His daughter ❤

  30. I don’t know what God is doing, but I trust him and I believe that he is doing something great in my life.
    I am trusting that God is in control and working everything out in my life, marriage and family. I am trusting him for healing to the glory of his name.

  31. God, I know that you are in control and will work out the trials I am going through. Help me to be anxious for nothing and trust in you.

  32. I don’t know what God is up to, but I trust Him to move me forward in His perfect timing; providing healing in and through my body, financial blessings, peace that passes all understanding, wisdom to make the right decisions, worrying about nothing while holding to God’s unchanging hand.

  33. To quote an old hymn.. I don’t know about tomorrow, but I know who holds my hand. I have proven Him over and over. I am an old woman, 78 years old, and lived through a few difficult times. His hand has been present and steady throughout it all. Praise His name! I am not afraid of anything this world can bring on.

  34. I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!

    This devotional is exactly what I needed. Even when I don’t understand Gods ways I can trust His heart. He has been faithful and I can trust Him 🙂

  35. I don’t know what God is doing but I know it’s good please pray for my daughter Liz that her Social Security Benefits will be Approved this time and pray for my sugar will go down

  36. I don’t know what God is doing today, but I am trusting and staying in His hands. He is my God and my deliver! Praise His Holy Name!

  37. I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good! I am trusting that God will show me the way to go in my life. There are so many unknowns right now for me; but I know that God is using this to train me to trust Him more and to let myself be loved. I am a planner — but God is asking me to let go and let Him really be in charge of my life this time. I have to just take one step at a time and trust Him with the big picture (that I cannot see ANY of at the moment).

  38. I don’t know what God is doing but I know that it is good. He’s in control. I give him my worries,panic,fear,my marriage,my husband,my foundations, everything! Do what only you can do God and take the glory and honour and praise. Amen!

  39. I’m trusting God to heal my body and my broken heart and to help with finances. I also trust Jesus to bring my son and my ex into salvation and to restore my relationship with 2 of my prodigal children . God is good all the time.

  40. I don’t know what God is doing
    With my friend and his sudden condition. I trust He does and I pray that my friend will find Jesus’ strength and love .

  41. Today is my birthday and I thank God for bringing me this far and I am trusting that God will provide for all my needs (Job, Family and Finances) according to his will. I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good. Amen!

  42. “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”….
    going through stressful events,,, loss of my only dear brother, personal and work stress

  43. I will trust God that He will deliver me and bring my boyfriend Emil back to Pohnpei. Emil has been in Philippines because of Covid-19. He was supposed to come back to Pohnpei and work. We are planning to get married but I’m a little nervous and worried because there are some people who don’t like him. I’m hoping he will melt their hearts and be accepted. Also that he will live up to what he says he will do. I will trust God and not fear.

  44. ,“I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”
    My grandkids are being mistreated by their stepmom. I have let it slide but we can’t watch it anymore. We confronted her and now they won’t let us see them anymore. My heart hurts!! I am praying the truth comes out. Because I am a grandma I worry. All I feel like I can say everyday is”God’s got this, please Lord let the truth come out.” That’s all I can pray without crying. I know the Lord knows my heart.

  45. I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!” I am putting my relationship…job and finances in God’s hands for I know even though things look impossible…with God all things are possible. Although I don’t understand some things…I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding…in all my ways I will acknowledge Him and He shall direct my paths….God is up to something Amazing…and He is doing a new thing…Praise You Jesus….for Your Love…Grace & Mercy!

  46. I know God is watching over my family, though I can’t see it yet with my earthly eyes, He has given them salvation. He has told me, His ways are higher than my ways. He even knows every hair on their heads. His timing and His ways are perfection. I hold on to His promises. Thank you Lord💗

  47. I don’t know what God is doing, but I know that it is good! I place my finances, my job responsibilities, desires, and all of my cares in His mighty hand.

  48. I don’t know what God is doing, but I do know that it is good. I know that God is blessing my marriage and bringing my husband and I closer together each day in all aspects of our marriage. He is guiding our footsteps as we continue to shepherd His people through our ministry. Thank you Lord for all of Your provisions! You are a Good Good Father!

  49. I have arthritis snd severe back pain but i know my God is goingto help me through this.
    I praise Him for His goodness. Love and mercy.
    I pray that He will stop all the wickedness and He will but it’s so sad that our children are being brainwashed into evil.
    PRAY CHRISTIANS

  50. I am trusting God for my physical and mental health. I am trusting Him to bring me through scans and treatments for breast cancer. I am trusting Him for faith and strength. I know He is good and he has healed many. I trust He will calm my mind and take away my thoughts of dread, fear, and wondering how to do this again. I trust He will walk with me.

  51. I don’t know what God’s doing but I know that it’s good. I know that God is blessing and providing for me and my children, he is healing my son’s MS, and both my son and my daughters hearts and minds and healing us all from the divorce that was caused by me. I know he has forgiven me and we will see the beauty from the ashes. Thank you God for providing for us and bringing Christian friends and spouses into our lives.

  52. I do not know what God is doing, but I am trusting that He is working all things out, that He loves and cares for me, and that He is a faithful father!!

  53. I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!

    I am trusting that GOD will do the impossible in my life!!

  54. I am trusting that God will __________ work all things together for the good in my life, even if it looks nothing like I expected.

  55. Hallelujah.. “I don’t know what God’s doing, but I know it is good!”
    hallelujah! Praise God! 🙏❤️

  56. Father, I don’t exactly know what you’re doing at the moment, but I trust you and I know what you’re doing is good.
    Glory to God for His faithfulness!!!
    I love you, ABBA.💕

  57. Father, I don’t exactly know what you’re doing at the moment, but I trust you and I know what you’re doing is good.
    Glory to God for His faithfulness!!!
    I love you, ABBA.💕
    God is such an awesome God!

  58. I don’t know what you’re doing, GOD – BUT – I know it is good!
    I am trusting that GOD will take care of my son & ALL that he’s dealing with right now; and I’m trusting that GOD will be with me as I study my online studies, giving me everything I need – focus, concentration, comprehension, His wisdom, guidance, direction, guidance, knowledge, perseverance, and energy to succeed!! Thank you GOD the Father, GOD the Son, GOD the Holy Spirit – how I love, adore, praise & honor You!!

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