In church this morning, someone asked for prayer. She is having heart surgery in a few days.

I can only imagine how worried she might be, especially given that she is quite young. All we can do is commit to pray for her this week.

While the church was praying, I noticed a 5-year-old boy clinging to his mother. He had no worries. His mother was with him and he knew she would protect him at all times.

Why is it that we worry so much? We worry about whether or not we will be healed; we worry about whether or not our Heavenly Father listens to us, etc. Yet our Heavenly Father tells us: “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.” (Phil. 4:6-7 NIV)

Don’t fret, God says. Don’t worry!

Do we believe our Heavenly Father will listen to us? If we did, then worry would be a thing of the past, for doesn’t God say, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 1:11-13 NIV)

So why worry? When we worry, aren’t we saying that we don’t believe God will take care of us? Instead, why not follow the example of that 5-year-old child and cling to our Heavenly Father? Why not follow the example of that lady who is scheduled for heart surgery and commit our worries to God in prayer? And when we pray, let’s truly believe that God is listening.

Rob Chaffart