It Starts Small

Worry is all about your mind….it is mental.

Anxiety is all about your heart…it is physical.

Both are incredibly exhausting.

Paul has a remedy for both! In every situation, bit or small, easy or hard, Paul asks us to do four things:

Pray.
Thank.
Ask.
Receive.

Praying is us opening the door to our hearts (which hides worry, nervousness, anxiety, what-ifs, worst case scenarios, and nightmares). This is the toughest part because we do not want to look anxiety in the face. We are overcome with fear and lies and do not want to look it in the eyes. We would prefer to keep this door tightly closed and locked.

Thanking the Lord for all we do have in prayer begins the excavation of removing fear, anxiety, worries and lies. It is replacing it with Truth, grace, and love.

Asking God. We can ask anything of God. Be vague or be clear. Ask Him for what you think you need or want. Just by asking you are shifting the responsibility from providing a you sized solution to a God sized solution. Remember, God will only give us what is good and glorifies Him. So even if He says, no, we thank Him for His mighty protection and faithfulness.

Receive. Why did Paul add this to the list? Because he knew we would not be able to understand or explain it. There might not be words to put to it. When we pray with thanksgiving and ask the God of the universe for answers, He gives us peace. This peace guards our heart with warmth, love, and purpose.

It is indescribable. Receive it.

Thoughts to Ponder

• What does anxiety mean to you? What does God’s Word say about anxiety? Are you suffering with anxiety? What does God’s Word speak about the situation, circumstances or people that have caused you anxiety?
• What is worry? What does God’s Word say about worry? Are you suffering with worry? What does God’s Word speak about the situation, circumstances or people that have caused you to worry?
• How does today’s scripture turn anxiety and worry on it’s head?
• What can you know about God and how does this draw you closer to Him?

© Kimberlee Smith 2026 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.