Anxiety & Peace

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 4:6-7

Anxiety is defined as the distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune according to dictionary.com. It seems to overwhelm us and sometimes even paralyze us from moving forward in making a decision. It might affect our sleep patterns, eating habits, relationships and even age our bodies prematurely.

Paul was well aware of what worry could do to a person because of his own experiences (beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecked, rejection). It is interesting that he recommended prayer with thanksgiving as the solution to worry. If we would learn to lay everything at Jesus' feet instead of holding on to it, we might be a less prone to being anxious. And if we would make a list of the things we are grateful for, it would re-focus our attention on the Lord and not on what we are experiencing through our life circumstances.

The author of Philippians follows up with a powerful statement about what we already possess as believers in Christ - that God's peace will guard our hearts and minds through the relationship we have in Christ. This same concept of peace is found in 32 other verses in the Bible: Phl 1:2; Num 6:26; Job 22:21; Job 34:29; Psa 29:11; Psa 85:8; Isa 26:3,12; Isa 45:7; Isa 48:18; Isa 48:22; Isa 55:11,12; Isa 57:19-21; Jer 33:6; Luk 1:79; Luk 2:14; Jhn 14:27; Jhn 16:33; Rom 1:7; Rom 5:1; Rom 8:6; Rom 14:17; Rom 15:13; 2Co 13:11; Gal 5:22; Col 3:15; 2Th 3:16; Heb 13:20; Rev 1:4.

So...what are you anxious about right now? What do you need to bring to the throne that is troubling your soul? Take a moment and make that list of things from God that you are grateful for; tell Him not only what you are anxious about, but also how you have seen His hand in your life.

If you are concerned for others in your life and ministry, petition the throne on their behalf and remember that the peace that guards your heart and mind comes from knowing Christ as your personal Savior.