Pray About Everything

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6


Mental health was one of the areas of focus at this year’s Winter Olympics. We saw athletes struggle under the pressure and suffer emotional distress when they did not perform as their coaches, their country, and they themselves had expected.

There was the 19-year-old Chinese figure skater who was met with enormous backlash from her compatriots after falling twice in her Winter Olympics debut. In tears, she said she was upset and embarrassed by her routine and cited she felt pressure to meet China’s expectations.

Then there was 15-year-old Russian favorite, Kamila Valieva who felt the wrath of her coach only moments after her less than stellar performance, going from the favorite to win the gold, to being the center of controversy over a failed drug test.

These are just a few examples of the many stories of athletes at these winter games who felt as if they couldn’t take it any longer, as if they were beginning to crack and crumble under the pressure. This is important because knowing how to handle the weight and the gravity of life’s trials, troubles, and tribulations is increasingly gaining attention and momentum in today’s society.

Stress and anxiety are normal psychological and physical reactions to the demands of life. Everyone experiences stress and anxiety every now and then. It is normal to feel stress, especially during a crisis. But when challenges, such as the pandemic, mass shootings, and every day stressors gather like the constellation of clouds during a storm, it can push you beyond your ability to cope.

Thankfully, when times like these come, we have a source that can provide all the strength we need. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This does not mean everything will all of a sudden become easier and that it is not important to seek professional help when you need it. What it does mean is that you are not walking this life alone. God is with you every step of the way and wants you to gain the victory.

When anxiety and stress begin to hit, do not sit alone in it. Instead, pray about it and ask God what must do to move from the dark to the light.