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Troubling God With the Small Stuff

In the late 1990s, Richard Carlson, Ph.D., sought to sooth the nerves of an overworked, over stimulated, overwhelmed society with his book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff … and it's all small stuff. An expert in happiness and stress-reduction, Carlson's sage advice was well timed. His book became the number one best-seller in America for two consecutive years, a feat never before achieved in publishing.

Carlson went on to create a series of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff … resources — something for pretty much everybody: men, women, couples, families, teens, people at work, and more.¹

No Project Too Big or Too Small

With chapter titles such as "Develop Your Compassion," "Practice Humility," and "Remember that Everything Has God's Fingerprints on It," it's easy to find similarities between Carlson's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff advice and biblical principles.

That got me thinking: How often do I pray to God about "the small stuff"?

I know the Bible tells us to cast all our cares, all our anxieties on God, (1 Peter 5:7) but do I really need to trouble Him with a minor disagreement I had with a friend, or when I'm a little stressed during a hectic day? I can handle that just fine. God's got more important matters to attend to — doesn't He?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Solomon in Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

As humans go, it's easy to forget that God isn't limited intellectually or constrained by time and space as we are. Put another way, our earthly minds are not able to fully comprehend God's power, grace and wisdom.

The truth is God wants us to "trouble" Him — trust Him — with every aspect of our daily lives. Nothing is too big or too small. Just as a loving parent wants to get involved when his children ask for help, so does God. It's no trouble at all.

Solomon explains that we must acknowledge God in all our ways so we can receive His guidance. That means turning every area of life over to God. Make Him a vital part of everything you do!

What's the Catch?

I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name (Jesus in John 16:23b).

No doubt, there are times when God helps you without your needing to ask, but He wants to be invited in. He wants your fellowship. And no area of your life is trivial to God. He wants to bless your work (yes, even your schoolwork), and all the routine tasks and issues you deal with day to day.

Through Jesus we are able to seek God's grace. However, it's important to understand that asking for help in Jesus' name means that the request agrees with God's character and will. We're not granted endless wishes to fulfill selfish desires. In fact, if we truly follow God and seek to do His will, then our requests for help will be in line with what He wants for us.

Your Most Important Habit

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped (David in Psalm 28:7a).

Prayer keeps us in communion with God. It's also the most powerful resource we have, whether we're facing adversity, or just taking care of the small stuff.

Does pride keep you from asking God for help? Or do your daily tasks seem too insignificant to warrant the request? Maybe it simply didn't occur to you that you could and should ask God for help! Whatever the case, I encourage you to make a habit of taking prayer breaks throughout the day and inviting God to help.

Studying for a test? God wants in. Making new friends on campus? God wants in. Annoyed by a prof's boring lectures? God wants in. Each prayer needs only a moment or two — and you'll be developing the most important habit you could ever have.