You climb into bed. You reposition your pillow. And you stare anxiously toward the ceiling, revisiting the thoughts that have tormented you for weeks. As you think about tomorrow—and the next day—you ask yourself a discouraging question: how will I make ends meet?
You feel stuck in a dead-end job and wonder if your career will ever get off the ground. You question when you’ll earn the income you need to pay the bills and provide for your family. You wonder if you’ll ever live a healthy, peaceful life—and find the right person to marry.
You toss and turn. But on this night, rest feels beyond reach.
Have you ever felt this way? As if you have no control over the future—and you desperately want to travel in a different direction? As if you feel helpless against the flow of life?
In these moments, cling to God’s Word. Call out to the Lord in prayer, sharing your grief, your fear and your anxiety. And, as you consider the future, seek his peace.
These five prayers will get you started:
- Lord, give me the strength to stop worrying.
Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.– Philippians 4:6-7 - Lord, give me rest when I feel anxious.
Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.”– Matthew 11:28-29 - Lord, help me rely on you when I fear the future.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.– Proverbs 3:5-6 - Lord, give me endurance when I feel weak.
May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience.– Colossians 1:11 - Lord, protect me when I face overwhelming trials.
Whoever goes to the LORD for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him, “You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.”– Psalm 91:1-2