Pray, hope, don’t worry
“Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
—Saint Padre Pio
Are there circumstances in your life that are robbing you of your peace of mind? Have you been struggling with worries, fears and anxieties?
Or, are you endlessly re-analyzing and agonizing over what to do next?
No matter what has happened, who hurt you in the past or where you are now, do not fear or falter. God is with you.
You’re not alone. And
He is watching over you right now. So, pray and give your burdens to God for He hears even the faintest of cries.
A while back, I heard about a man who had lost his job because the company was downsizing. For months, he tried to find employment with no success. With a family to feed, bills to pay, and his future uncertain, the man became bitter and downtrodden. One day, he decided to make an appointment to talk to his minister about his worries and ongoing challenges.
The man arrived at the minister’s office, and the minister greeted him warmly. Afterwards, the minister sat on the sofa in his office and asked, “What can I do to help you?” Pacing back and forth in front of him, the man began to describe to the minister, in a loud voice, his problems, his fears and feelings of worthlessness.
Listening attentively, the minister nodded his head sympathetically. Then, after about 45 minutes of pouring out his heart, the man implored, “I’ve begged God to help me.” The man took a deep breath, stopped his ranting and questioned, “Tell me, minister, why doesn’t God answer?”
Almost at once, the minister replied. The man leaned in to hear him and asked, “What did you say?” It was quiet in the room; you could have heard a pin drop.
For a second time, the minister spoke. Yet, his voice was so hushed, it was indistinguishable.
“I can’t hear you,” the man responded, a bit bewildered. Nevertheless, again, the minister repeated himself. But this time, it was in a tone as soft as a tiny whisper.
The man moved closer, sat next to the minister on the sofa and uttered, “I’m sorry, but I still can’t hear you.”
With their heads bent together, nearly cheek-to-cheek, the minister, with a sparkle in his eye, spoke once more, “God sometimes whispers…so we will move closer to hear Him.”
• You may say, “The odds are against success.” God is whispering, “Do all that is in your heart, for I am with you.” (I Chronicles 17:2).
• You may say, “I’ve been through so much.” God is whispering, “I will restore you to health and heal your wounds.” (Jeremiah 30:17).
• You may say, “I’ve reached my limit.” God is whispering, “Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20).
• You may say, “I can’t figure things out.” God is whispering, “In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
• You may say, “I can’t deal with the situation that I’m confronted with now.” God is whispering, “Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for I am with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
• You may say, “My dreams are over.” God is whispering, “Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4).
Draw close to God, for He is drawing close to you. Listen, for He is saying softly to you today: “My dear child, I understand your situation. Do not worry. I love you, and I will restore your life. I’m going to give you double the happiness and joy in your future.”
Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Your prayer being answered is close at hand. Don’t cling to worries. Release them now to God’s capable Hands. Declare with great authority, “I am not going to live my life worried, negative or discouraged anymore. Instead, I’m going to pray, trust God and depend on Him. God has taken care of me in the past, and He will take care of me in the future. At this moment, I’m placing my life into His loving and capable Hands.”
Then, say prayers of thankfulness. Pray for others. Count your blessings. Stop and think of as many things as you can that you’re thankful for right now. Jot them down on paper. And re-read your ‘thankful list’ often. An attitude of gratitude can cause a change in your mood and your outlook. Always express gratitude to God for what is good and right in your life, for a grateful heart can alter everything.
You have no idea what phenomenal things God has in store for you. New blessings are all within your grasp. Tell yourself repeatedly, “God has a plan for me,” “I’m strong,” “I’m valuable,” “I’m gifted,” and “The future is bright.”
We may not know how God will handle our situation, because our ways are not God’s ways. But through faith and belief in Him, there is nothing too big or so broken that He cannot renew and restore. God can move the immovable. But first, we have to believe it can be done. You may face situations beyond your reserves; however, never beyond God’s resources.
So, keep on going forward, being and doing your best. In the days to come, God is going to bring someone amazing across your path to bless your future. Remarkable opportunities will find their way to you. Dreams are going to come to pass. And, miraculously, circumstances will turn around, and you’ll face a new, wonderful direction.
Live prayer-filled. Allow God’s peace to rule within your heart, for He has you in the palm of His Hand. And right now, through your prayers, miracles are being set into motion. And soon you’ll receive the wondrous blessings and miracles straight from God’s Hand to you!
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito’s nationally syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” has endeared her to readers across the country for over 15 years. In addition, Catherine is featured on television and radio where she inspires viewers and listeners by offering inspirational commentary, home decorating and entertaining ideas, plus DIY segments. She is the bestselling author of three books: A New You, God Will Do the Rest, and The Open Window. As a designer, her gift lines have been featured on QVC and she is a former Miss Connecticut USA.