Prayer: The Death of Anxiety

Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

~1 Samuel 1:17-18

Hannah did indeed weep much and pour out her request to the Lord in prayer, but once she had sent them straight to the sapphire throne above, she got up and was mournful no more.

The Lord Jesus Christ taught us that when we have prayed in accordance with the Father's will, "...believe that you have received it, and will be given to you." (Mark 11:24) Therefore, it does us no good and insults our heavenly Father to place our cares into His omnipotent hand and then to go away anxious as though prayer was no more than a lucky charm and it were left to me to deal with my own struggles. What difference is there between the Christian and the unbeliever if we have no peace through the assurance that when God has heard us, we may be sure He will answer? Rather, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Dear brother & sister in Christ, are you bearing a heavy anchor that weighs down your spirit? Cast it in the ocean of God's promises, the Captain of your salvation will pilot the ship through the storms and lead you through. Do not seek to wrestle out of the palm of Omnipotence the burdens you have already committed. Do not seek to go your way with your yoke of sorrow, Christ demands that He shares it with you.

Have you sent the incense of your prayers upto the mercy seat? Go your way rejoicing, the most qualified High Priest: Christ Jesus is your Divine Attorney and will not adjourn your petition but swiftly intercede with your good Father in heaven (Hebrews 7:25).

If you are reading this and Christ Jesus is not your Lord, how I pity you! Where will you go when sorrows sink you into despair? Whom will you turn to when the icy winds of affliction howl? You can be sure of this, there is no help outside of God in His Son. You may run to Him right now in repentance and He will receive you with open arms.