The Bible says, ‘With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then…God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel’ (vv. 6-7 CEV). When we pray more, we worry less. With that fact in mind, we’re left with a choice: either pray about it or worry about it. Prayer is the language of dependent people. Prayer gives the problem to God, so you experience more peace of mind. Does that mean that the first time you try, you won’t worry about the problem at all? No. It means you’ll worry less. While your goal is to give it completely to God and not worry about it at all, you’ll only get there step by step. God’s not asking you to exist in a state of denial. Instead He offers an alternative to the pointless and exhausting habit of worry: ‘Pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17). A thirty-second prayer won’t rid you of all anxiety, but starting your day with prayer, and continuing praying off and on throughout the day - praying as you drive, at work, before your lunch break, when you get that difficult phone call, when you’re disappointed by something, praying without ceasing – literally. Pray from friendship, not from white-knuckled fear, and you’ll get to a place of peace without denial. Your heavenly Father, being deeply touched by your struggles, loves it when you come to Him asking for help. He’s right there, ready to step in. Just invite Him to do it.

What now?

Picture the most helpful friend you can: the best handyman, consoler, and organiser rolled into one. Then picture Jesus, who is a hundred times that person. Now take all your concerns and imagine putting them into hands.