Prayer Box

"Don't worry about everything instead pray in everything and tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6 NIV

There have been many instances in my life, when I have been called a "worry wart." There are some days when I sit and worry about things that are ridiculous to even worry about. I know that all this excessive worrying  will bring nothing but negative results in my life (anxiety, lack of sleep, panic attacks, health problems etc). However I have been making excuses for my constant worry wart behavior. "Worrying runs in my family, I have lived my life this way for a long time, I can't control the my thoughts, It's just my personality." ( My list of excuses runs on and on just like my list of worries.) However, I want to change my worry wart behavior. Deep down I know that every fear I have contradicts my  faith in God and every worry I have shows I do not have as much faith in God as I would like to.

Last night I found my prayer box. I had made this box in a bible study art class I took in 2008. Basically, the concept of the prayer box is to decorate a box. Then every time you are worried about something or have a prayer request you put it in the prayer box. It is a symbolic way of placing your worries and burdens in God's hands.

Last night I began re-reading many of the prayer requests I had written in the box. As I read the prayers I was in awe of how God had answered many of the prayers that I thought were nearly impossible for him to answer. I was also grateful that God had not granted many of the prayers I prayed but rather had a better plan for my life than the things I thought I wanted in my life. Reviewing my old prayers made me feel grateful to God and intensified my level of trust in him. It also reminded me of how ridiculous it is to constantly worry because the creator of the universe loves me and he is working all things together for my good.

I am giving myself a daily challenge. I encourage anyone else reading this who is plagued with worry to do the same:

Every day write down five things you are worried about and put them in your prayer box.

Write a thank-you note to God everyday. Thank him for at least 5 things you are grateful for.

If you decide to let take the challenge comment and let me know how it goes!