As soon as the Fall of 2019 rolled around, I knew this was it. Within a year, my baby would graduate from high school and leave for college. Just thinking about it put a lump in my throat, butterflies in my stomach and filled my heart with anxiety.

‘I gotta get a grip,’ I thought. I want to enjoy this season and savor all the ‘last moments.’ I DID NOT want a year filled with dread.

So every time I prayed for my son and his future, I felt prompted to pray for myself too.

“God, I don’t want to be a wreck all year. I want to enjoy these moments. And when it’s time for him to go, I want to send him off in peace (like my parents did for me)…and not have him worried & wondering if I’m okay.”

Praying for yourself may seem a little selfish…

But in Philippians 4:6,7 Paul instructs the church of Philippi, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

When God (through Paul) tells us to be anxious for nothing, He means NOTHING. When He says to pray about everything, He means EVERYTHING. Including ourselves.

Whether it’s world peace…or the peace in your home.

Pray.

Third world problems…or first world concerns (like sending my son off to college).

Pray.

Healing for the sick, deliverance from addictions, or a breakthrough for those struggling with depression.

Pray.

Friends, God is good (even if life’s situations have told you otherwise).

He is not a magic genie, but He is a loving Father who doesn’t want His children living in fear and anxiety.  In fact, throughout Scripture, God tells us over and over (and over) again, “Do not fear.”  (Now that’s a good word for 2020)

By the way, on August 17 we dropped our firstborn off to college, 3 hours and 17 minutes away from home.

Did I cry? Of course! He’s my baby! ?.  Am I okay? Absolutely. ??

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

God is faithful to His Word.

Whatever is weighing on your heart today, let’s try and replace those anxious thoughts with prayer.

Pray for the world. Pray for our country. Pray for your family.

And PRAY FOR YOURSELF.

God wants you to.

-Binu