Prayer Tip--Fear and Hate or Faith and Love?
Daily Scripture
Psalm 46:1-2a (CEB), Matthew 5:43-45 (CEB) and 1 John 4:18a (NRSV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a help always near in times of great trouble.
That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart.
[Jesus said,] “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven.”
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
I’m a worrier. I’m not proud of that, but it’s been true much of my life. I worry about pleasing people and doing a good job. I worry about my friends and family. I worry about worrying too much. And then there’s this whole other layer of worry that comes from trying to stay informed, watching the news, scrolling social media, and keeping up with what’s happening in the world. There’s this balance I haven’t figured out yet between being informed and being overwhelmed by worry.
For me, worry hits hardest at night. When the day is over, and I’m lying in bed thinking about the day, I distract myself instead of being still. I reach for my phone, for information, for control, for anything that makes me feel less helpless. But I know, deep down, that what I actually need is to talk to God. To rest in his presence and pray through my worries, my disappointments, my fears. To release them instead of carrying them, because holding onto fear just gives it room to grow roots and take over.
When I pause and pray… I’m also asking God to speak his love and truth into my heart. Here’s what I think that might sound like…
“Mindy, you’re drowning in a flood of information that only feeds your fear. You keep turning to the news, to social media, hoping it will ease your mind. I see your heart; how hard you’re trying to find peace. I’ve been here the whole time. You don’t need to know everything to be okay. You need to know me. Fear wants you to believe that if you just stay vigilant enough, informed enough, prepared enough, you can control what’s coming. But I’m telling you: I’m already in control. My kingdom isn’t shaken by headlines. My love doesn’t waver when the world does. I’m holding you, and I’m holding the world. Nothing is spinning out of my hands. You can rest, not because everything is fine, but because I am good. And I’m holding all of it. Be still. Trust me. I’ve got this.”
I want to believe that. I want to trust that my God is stronger than my fears, that his peace is available even when the world feels chaotic. Maybe you’re also a worrier or have recurring fears that keep you up at night. If so, I invite you to pray this prayer with me…
Prayer
Jesus, I confess I’m a worrier, and underneath all that worry is fear. I chase information when what I really need is your presence. It’s so hard to be still when my mind is racing, when the world feels out of control, and I’m grasping for anything that makes me feel safer. Teach me to bring my anxieties and fears to you instead of holding them so tight they take root in my heart. Help me remember that you’re already here—in the worry, in the fear, in the moments when I can’t see you at work. Help me to trust that you are—that you reign over all of it, even when I can’t see how. Quiet my anxious heart. Help me rest in the truth that you are faithful, you are present, and you have this. Trade my fear for your peace, my worry for your rest. Amen.
GPS Insights
Mindy LaHood
Mindy LaHood, who serves as Worship Communications and Design Manager, wrote this week's Prayer Tip. Mindy blends her passion for writing with crafting clear and engaging content across various platforms. Her calling as a writer shapes her approach to creating meaningful connections through visual design and thoughtful communication strategies.
