Peace In Anxious Times

We’re living in a very anxious time. Let’s face it. There’s so much uncertainty, so many demands, such fear… These things can easily bring on anxiety and it robs us of inner peace; even sleep, appetite and energy.  God understands. He foreknew. So, He addressed anxiety through the Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:5-7 to give us great hope in bleak times.

“Let your forbearing spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

“Let your forbearing spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near.” The translation of the word, “forbearing” is actually “gentleness.” What Paul is saying is, in the midst of troubling circumstances, there can be a gentle, confident spirit that can flow through us if/when we focus on the truth that Jesus is coming soon. Our hope is in Him and His coming for us. This life with its troubling circumstances will be gone “in the twinkling of an eye” at the rapture or when He chooses to take us Home.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” The only way anxiety can cease is if we take our eyes off what’s going on around us and put them on the Omnipresent, Sovereign God. Because of Him, we are not alone in our struggles. And, we’re invited to bring ALL our concerns, huge and little, to Him in prayer. But, we are to accompany each concern with thanksgiving. Why with thanksgiving, especially when your heart seems about as broken as it can be? It shows that we know to Whom we are making our requests, the One Who inhabits praise (Psalm 22:3); and that, no matter how God answers our specific prayers, we will be content and thankful with whatever He wisely and lovingly gives us. By the way, I love the Japanese translation of Psalm 22:3: “When you praise God He brings a big chair and sits there.” Isn’t that just what you need when you’re anxious?

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The result of letting go of the trouble and letting God do His work is much more powerful than the anxiety! It’s PEACE! Not the peace of having no struggles. Not the peace that comes from distracting yourself. Not the peace that comes from drugs. It’s not peace produced externally. Those things can only produce temporary peace. Rather, this is GOD’s peace, available to every one of His children, that comes and lasts no matter what’s going on; and it surpasses our finite understanding.

So, take heart. Release your anxious thoughts to the One Who loves you with an everlasting love and is ever present as you walk through the concerns of life. HIS PRESENCE BRINGS HIS PEACE.

“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Thy consolations delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19