Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6
The Message Bible

There has been many a devotional written on the topic of worry. And I think we all know why that is… because no matter what your status in life, it is an emotion that we, as human beings, have to battle on a regular basis. But, as Christians, I firmly believe it is something that we can overcome and actually rise above. Indeed, it is an emotion that we, as children of God, should overcome and rise above! How it must sadden our Heavenly Father to see that we do not have complete trust in His love and provision for us in every area of our lives.

As I was reading this verse in Philippians 4:6, the Lord brought an illustration to my mind. He often shows me mental pictures to help me understand a passage or concept. Worries themselves are like balloons that have not been inflated. They are simply passing thoughts of what could come to pass. But when we start to meditate on and embellish those thoughts, we begin to inflate the balloon. The more we meditate on (worry) about the matter, the larger the balloon becomes. We can let those renegade thoughts continue until the balloon reaches its full capacity and you know what happens then…pop! It explodes and little pieces fly everywhere. By this time, our nerves are shot…literally!

But have you ever seen anyone who does balloon art? It’s so cool! They blow balloons to probably three-quarter capacity and then they make them into wonderfully fun shapes that bring joy to the onlookers. They twist and tie and manipulate those elasticized containers of air into objects of joy…a graceful swan, a cute puppy, a lovely flower. Why can’t we learn to do that with the anxious thoughts and worries that try to invade our lives and fill our minds until we reach the breaking point?

When worrisome thoughts come, and they will…when they start to inflate your mind with all sorts of scenarios that likely will not even come to past…stop! Realize what is happening and turn those thoughts around. Twist them and tie them and turn them around until they are totally transformed into something beautiful that fills you with joy and gladness and complete peace…so much so, that it spills over onto those around you!

You may be thinking…well, that is a lovely illustration, but how do I possibly go about it? Well, if you call yourself a Believer, do you or do you not believe God’s Word? Do you believe the verse that says that He will work ALL things for good to those who believe? (Romans 8:28) Do you believe that He will meet ALL your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus? (Philippians 4:19) Do you believe that He loves you with an everlasting love? (Psalm 103:17) Do you believe that He directs your steps and delights in every detail of your life? (Psalm 37:23) Well then, begin meditating on these thoughts and start turning those worries around to objects of beauty! Let’s make some beautiful works of art from what is trying to cause us potential disaster! The minute the worries try to creep in, recognize it and start turning them around! God is faithful. He will NEVER let you down!

 Give all your worries and cares to God,
for he cares about you.
I Peter 5:7 NLT