Sermon Preached by Pastor Nathan Johnson on August 17, 2025
In a world filled with constant challenges and uncertainties, it’s easy to fall into the trap of worry. We fret about finances, health issues, our children’s futures, and even the state of our democracy. The list of potential worries seems endless. But what if there was a better way to approach life’s difficulties? What if, instead of letting anxiety consume us, we could find a path to genuine peace?
The answer lies in a profound yet simple principle: Pray about it, don’t worry about it.
This transformative approach to life’s challenges is rooted in the wisdom of Philippians 4:6-7, which tells us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
At first glance, this advice might seem overly simplistic. After all, how can we simply stop worrying about the very real problems we face? The key lies in understanding that this isn’t just a suggestion – it’s a choice we must actively make.
We can’t prevent life from happening or stop problems from arising. But we can control how we respond to life’s challenges. It’s a matter of deliberate choice rather than living by default.
The text presents us with two imperatives: a prohibitive one (stop worrying) and an exhortative one (start praying). It’s not enough to simply try to stop worrying; we must replace that habit with something more productive – prayer.
But what exactly does it mean to pray? Prayer is more than just talking to God about our situation. It’s about turning towards God, shifting our focus from our problems to the problem-solver. When we focus on God, we’re reminded of His nature:
- He is God all by Himself
- He’s bigger than whatever we’re worrying about
- He knows all that we know and all that we don’t know
- He can do what we can do and all that we can’t do
- He’s present with us and everywhere we’re not
- He will always do right by us and seek what’s best for us
This shift in focus is transformative. It doesn’t deny the existence of our problems, but it puts them in proper perspective. When we turn our gaze to God, we’re reminded of His past faithfulness, which fuels our gratitude and strengthens our faith for present challenges.
The command to “pray about everything” might seem daunting. Many of us like to reserve certain areas of our lives, thinking they’re too small or too big for prayer. But this approach leaves no room for such reservations. Everything means everything – from the seemingly trivial to the overwhelmingly significant.
When we embrace this practice of praying instead of worrying, something remarkable happens. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, begins to guard our hearts and minds. This isn’t just any peace – it’s a divine peace that defies explanation.
Imagine a holy quietness in the midst of turmoil, a consecrated calmness when you should be falling apart, a sanctified settledness that others might mistake for apathy. This is the kind of peace that God offers – a peace that stands guard over our emotions and thoughts, protecting us from wrong feelings and faulty conclusions.
It’s crucial to understand that this peace isn’t found in worldly solutions. It’s not in self-help mantras, transcendental meditation, mind-altering substances, or illicit relationships. This peace is uniquely found in Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace, the one who procures and perfects peace in our lives.
Who is this Christ Jesus? He’s the one anointed by God, who came down looking for us. He gave His life on Calvary, was buried, and rose again on the third day. He makes intercession for us and promises to return. In Him, we find not just a solution to our worries, but a friend who bears our burdens.
As the old hymn reminds us:
“What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!”
The invitation is clear: no matter what you’re facing, pray about it. Don’t worry about it. Whether it’s an insurmountable challenge, a situation beyond your abilities or resources, or questions about your future – turn to God in prayer.
This doesn’t mean that life will suddenly become easy or problem-free. But it does mean that you don’t have to face those challenges alone or in your own strength. When you choose prayer over worry, you’re tapping into a source of strength and peace that goes beyond human understanding.
Remember, what you truly need isn’t more money, more help, or more resources – what you need is Jesus. He has the power to pick you up and turn your life around. There’s nothing better than knowing Him and allowing His peace to guard your heart and mind.
So today, make a choice. Will you be choked by worry or calmed by prayer? Will you cry out in despair or look to the God who supplies all your needs? Will you be paralyzed by anxiety about tomorrow or turn to the One who holds the future?
The path to peace is open to all. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done. Whether you’re encountering Jesus for the first time, returning to faith after a long absence, or simply needing to recommit your worries to God, the invitation stands. Come to Him. Let go of your worries. Embrace the peace that only He can provide.
In a world that seems increasingly chaotic, this message of peace through prayer is more relevant than ever. It’s not just about finding temporary relief from our worries; it’s about transforming our entire approach to life’s challenges. When we choose to pray instead of worry, we’re not just changing our circumstances – we’re changing ourselves.
So the next time worry knocks at your door, remember: Pray about it. Don’t worry about it. And watch as the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.