Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God… Phil. 4:7
God commands you to be anxious for nothing, for NO – “thing.” Instead, He wants you to pray about EVERY – “thing.” In prayer you are called to “let-go” of the “thing,” the burden that is causing you to be anxious, and place it into God’s mighty hand “once and for all.”
Take a look at the AMPC (Amplified) version of 1 Peter 5:7. “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately…” (See last blog)
Ask yourself “Am I willing today to make this exchange ‘once and for all’? “Am I willing to give God my “garment of heaviness” in exchange for His precious costly “garments of salvation” and “robe of righteousness” provided for me through Jesus’ shed blood? (See “The Great Exchange” prayer.)
Prayer – Exchanging Your Care for God’s Loving Care:
If you want to make this quality decision about any burden you have been caring, pray the following:
Father God, today, on __________(date), I make the quality decision to cast ___________ (care or burden) into Your mighty hand, acknowledging Your great care for me. Once and for all I give to you this “garment of heaviness” – _________________ (name it) along with all the anxiety and fear it has caused me. Truly, it has become like a “filthy garment” in Your sight. In exchange for what I have been wearing I clothe myself with Christ – the garments Jesus Christ has provided for me through the work of the cross. Thank-You for taking good care of me and all that concerns me! In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Zechariah 3:3-5; Romans 13:14; I Peter 5:7)
Once you have made this transaction in which you have taken your hands off of this “thing”, this burden, and haver placed it into God’s hand, allow His loving care for you and all that concerns you to prevail in your heart and mind. Use this prayer as your reminder of the date that you “once and for all” handed your care – your anxiety – over to God. Then, begin thanking Him from this point forward for His answer – for His great and precious promises that belong to you as God’s child.