Faith over Fear: Peace-Filled Prayers for a Worried Heart
Peace-Filled Prayers for a Worried Heart
Renae Brumbaugh Green
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Text previously published as God, Grant Me. . .Peace that Replaces Worry, by Barbour Publishing.
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Introduction
For many of us, we treat worry like it’s a stray pet. We feed it, water it, nurture it. . .and we wonder why it won’t go away. But God didn’t create us for worry. Worry is simply a manifestation of fear. It’s the belief that something bad will happen. Time and again in His Word, God tells us not to be afraid. Instead, we’re to have hope, which is the opposite of fear. Hope is the belief that good things are coming. And God calls Himself the God of hope. So how do we stop worrying when worry is so familiar and comfortable it’s like a member of the family? The key to removing worry from our lives is to replace it with something else. We must crowd it out so there’s no room left in the inn of our hearts. When we’re tempted to worry, we need to pray. When fear creeps in, we should praise God. When anxiety steals our sleep, we can sing every praise song we know. After all, God lives in our praise. And where God is, there’s no room for fear of any kind.
Our soul waits for the L ord ; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. P salm 33:20–21 esv
Default Setting
Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
P salm 33:20–22 esv
Dear Father, what a beautiful prayer. The psalmist waited for You, was glad in You, trusted You, and found hope in You. What did this psalmist have that I don’t? I want to be in that place, Lord. I want to rest in You, knowing You’ll take care of me. But I’m not there. No matter how I try to trust Your goodness, my default setting goes to fear. Hope is the opposite of fear, isn’t it? Hope is the belief that something good will happen, while fear is the belief that something bad will happen. Give me the strength and self-discipline to change my default setting. You’re the God of hope, which means You have good things in store for my life. Help me believe that, Lord.
Comparison
And Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse.
m atthew 1:5 esv
Dear Father, much of my worry and anxiety happens because I compare myself to others. I look at the perfect, public versions of their lives and feel I don’t measure up. I look at my past and my imperfections and worry that I’ll never be good enough. This verse is a powerful reminder that You choose—and use—imperfect people with sketchy pasts. Rahab was a prostitute, yet You chose her to be one of Jesus’ ancestors. Ruth was from Moab, and Moabites were typically despised by Jews. Yet You chose her, as well, to be an ancestor to Your Son. Thank You for the peace that comes from knowing that no matter what my past looks like, no matter how imperfect I may seem, You have chosen me. Use me as You will, Father.
Consistent
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
m atthew 1:18 esv
Dear Father, a virgin, carrying Your Son? That doesn’t make sense. Yet Your Word prophesied of just such a virgin birth centuries before it happened. Your ways don’t always make sense to me, Father. I often stress myself out trying to make sense of things, but that’s pointless. I know Your thoughts are far above my own. My circumstances may not always make sense, but I know You will never contradict Your Word. When I worry about the future or question Your leading, remind me to study the Bible. You’re consistent, and You won’t ever lead me to do something against Your ways. Thank You for the peace that comes from reading Your Word.
God with Us
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.”
m atthew 1:23 esv
Dear Father, the name Immanuel means “God with us.” It amazes me that You, the King of kings, chose to be with us. We were awful to You. We disobeyed You. We were rebellious. Still, You chose to come down here and live among us. So often, Satan tries to tell me I’ve blown it with You. He tries to convince me that my sins are too great, my mistakes too catastrophic for You to want me. In my head, I know Satan lies to me. But in my heart, his lies ring true. Thank You for Your Word that tells me Satan’s a liar. Thank You for this reminder that You wanted me. In all Your glory, You chose to be with me. And thank You for the knowledge that nothing I do can ever change Your love for me.
Wise Men
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
m atthew 2:1–2 esv
Dear Father, so many of my days are spent worrying about whether I’m doing the right things and making the good choices. But You replace worry with peace! You promise wisdom to whoever asks for it. These wise men are a great example of how to be wise in a world of fools. First, wisdom seeks to worship You. Am I doing that each day? I want to, Lord. Next, wisdom follows You and rejects earthly things. Help me reject the habit of worry and trust You. Finally, wisdom gives precious gifts to You. Am I giving You my best? Thank You for these reminders, Father. I want the peace that comes with Your wisdom.
Doing My Best
Going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
m atthew 2:11 esv
Dear Father, I sometimes wonder if Mary thought, I would have rather been given diapers. These men gave Your Son the best they had. They didn’t worry about whether they should be doing more or if their gifts were appropriate. They found great purpose in simply giving their best. Too often, I overthink things. I worry that what I’m doing isn’t the right thing or that it’s not good enough or not appropriate. But if I’m giving my best and doing all I can to honor You, it’s right, and You are pleased. The question is, am I truly giving my best—my time, my resources, my talents—as gifts to You? I want to, Lord. Thank You for helping me find joy and purpose in simply being myself and doing my best.
Final Say
Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
m atthew 2:16 esv
Dear Father, Satan is evil. He wants to destroy our lives. In this case, Satan worked through Herod. But Satan did not have the final say! Jesus survived, and Your plan for our salvation continued. I know Satan wants to destroy my life as well. He uses worry, fear, and anxiety to paralyze me and suck the joy out of my existence. But he won’t have the final say. I know Your plans for me are good, and Your purpose for my life includes freedom from worry. Remind me of that when Satan tries to pull me in. As hard as he may try, he will not win.
Honey and Locusts
John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
m atthew 3:4–6 esv
Dear Father, John didn’t worry about wealth. He didn’t even worry about what he’d eat. He wore rags and ate bugs, but he had a tremendous impact on Your kingdom. He didn’t concern himself with earthly things, and yet You cared so tenderly for his needs. After all, honey is considered a delicacy. I’ll bet he’s wearing some fancy robes now and eating a King’s feast! Help me push aside my temporary worries and trust Your goodness. Today, I’ll enjoy the honey You send. I look forward to the day when I too will wear a robe and dine in Your presence.
Let God Shine
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
m atthew 3:13–15 esv
Dear Father, one of John’s greatest character traits was his humility. He knew his place in comparison to the God of the universe. He never wanted to outshine Christ or receive the attention or glory for himself. In a way, when I worry about things, I forget my place. When I worry, I lack humility. Worry shows that I lack confidence in You and that I think my way is best. Forgive me for that, Father. Give me John’s humility to step aside, trust Your goodness, and let You shine.
The Sword
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
m atthew 4:1–4 esv
Dear Father, Jesus overcame temptation by quoting Your Word. I know it’s the same for me. The more of Your Word I know, the easier it will be for me to say no to Satan, to evil thoughts, and to the worrisome lies that take my thoughts captive. Your Word is a living, active thing. It’s not just words on a page. Your Word has power! No wonder it’s called the sword. Remind me to carry my sword today. When I’m tempted to worry, bring Your Word to mind, and fill me with Your peace.
Practical Needs
He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.
m atthew 4:23 esv
Dear Father, Jesus was a teacher. He proclaimed the good news that You love people and want a relationship with them. But He was so much more than a lecturer. He truly loved people and had compassion on them. He met their practical needs. I know Your love hasn’t changed ever since Jesus walked the earth. You love me. You see every need, and You care. Whatever my affliction—physical, emotional, financial, or something else—You will see me through it. I don’t need to worry about how I’ll handle any situation, because I know You already have it handled. You will supply all my needs. Thank You for being a hands-on, practical needs kind of God. You are amazing, and I love You.
Blessed
He opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
m atthew 5:2–4 esv
Dear Father, these verses begin a list of promises to Your children. And I know You always keep Your promises. For each difficult thing we endure here on earth, You will bless us. When I’m sad, but I trust You, I’m blessed. When I face hard things, but I trust You for the outcome, You add it to my account and I’m blessed. If there’s one thing I’m learning about You, Father, it’s that You love to bless Your children. Help me take my eyes off the things that cause fear and anxiety and set my eyes on Your promises. I know I don’t need to worry about anything. No matter what happens, You’ve got it covered. I am blessed.
Help me take my eyes off the things that cause fear and anxiety and set my eyes on Your promises.
Perfect Like My Father
“If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
m atthew 5:46–48 esv
Dear Father, this command for Your children to be perfect like You. . .that’s a tall order. How can I ever be like You? I am sinful. Even when I try my best, I’m often overcome with worries and fears and doubts about myself and the world around me. Yet I know this verse doesn’t define the word perfect as “without sin.” You know I’m human. You know my tendencies, and You love me anyway. You want me to be pure hearted. You want my utmost desire to be for You. I love You, Father. More than anything, I want to please You. Make me pure hearted just like You.
In Secret
“When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
m atthew 6:2–4 esv
Dear Father, I like when people notice the things I do for them. I like to be acknowledged. I worry that if people don’t know I’m doing these good things, they won’t like me. Doing righteous, good deeds in secret, with no one acknowledging or saying “thank you,” takes humility. Humility is one of Your favorite traits, isn’t it? Truly, if You know about the good things I do, why should I worry about what others think? Thank You for the peace and freedom that comes from pleasing You alone.
All I Need
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
m atthew 7:7–8 esv
Dear Father, I know You long to give good things to us when we live for You and when we ask in faith. But You know better than I do what is good and what isn’t. Sometimes You don’t give me what I ask for if the outcome won’t be good or won’t turn out well for me. I trust Your love for me. I know You will give me everything required to live an abundant, joy-filled, peace-filled life. I know You’ll provide all I need to live out Your purpose for me. You know the desires of my heart, Lord. Today, I ask You to fulfill all those longings or change my heart to match what You want for me.
In the End
And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
m atthew 8:26 esv
Dear Father, I am so much like those disciples. I say I trust You, but when the winds kick up and the storms rage, I get scared. My whole body tenses up, my stomach clenches, and I head into fight-or-flight mode, all before I call out to You. Yet You’ve never given me reason to doubt Your goodness. I know You will protect me. Even if the storms knock me around, You’ll stay with me through it all and You’ll carry me through. You’ve also given me every weapon I need to fight the good fight. When I trust You, use Your Word as my weapon, and face adversity with faith, I know that in the end I’ll be the one standing.
The Big Picture
And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
m atthew 8:32–34 esv
Dear Father, Jesus had just performed a miracle. He had changed a life. Yet these herdsmen were more concerned about their pigs than about that man. They begged Jesus to leave because of what He did. They worried about the fiscal impact of this miracle and failed to see the bigger picture. I do the same thing sometimes. Forgive me for worrying about temporary things. Give me Your vision and help me see the big picture.
Christ Alone
When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be done to you.”
m atthew 9:28–29 esv
Dear Father, these men looked for Jesus. They followed Him. They hounded Him to do what they asked. They knew that Christ alone could restore their sight. Why is it that I often use You as a last resort? I try everything I can think of to solve my problems, and when my attempts fail, I seek You. But You are the solution to every problem. Build my faith, Father. When I face any difficulty, large or small, remind me to seek You first. I trust You alone to heal every broken part of me.
