In Matthew 13 Jesus told a parable about a farmer sowing some seeds.  Some of the seeds grew and prospered and others did not.  In this parable some of the seeds landed on thorny ground and sprouted but were unable to grow good roots and so they died.  In this story Jesus tells us that the thorns are the cares of this world.  When we are full of worry and cares it can choke out the fruitfulness of your life and cause us to stagnate and become unproductive.

Every day if we are following God and being obedient, God throws seeds of blessing into our lives.  How are we receiving these seeds of blessing, joy, hope, life, and provision?  Are we allowing the cares of this world to choke out our spiritual life?

In Phillipians 4:6 Paul told us how to deal with the cares of this world.  He said, “Do not be anxious about anything”.  Now that is easy to say but hard to do.  However, he follows up with the formula for how to actually win the war with worry.  He says “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Paul was say that we should turn our worry list into a prayer list.  Turn every concern that is bothering you over to God.  Be grateful.  A grateful heart is a strong heart.  We aren’t going to change our situation by worrying about it anyway.  Worry steals your confidence, peace, and joy from today and won’t change tomorrow. 

Today, let your heart be fertile ground, free from weeds and thorns (worry and cares).  Spend time in the Word of God.  Be thankful for what He has already done in your life.  Sing songs of praise to Him.  Don’t let the worries of this world steal the blessings of today.  Instead win the war of worry by living a life of prayer.