Anxiety and 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
Many times when we think about the unknown we become anxious. Think about things that you feel anxious about- a test, a tryout, someone’s health, the list goes on and on and on. Our verses today, though, tell us not to be anxious.
Not just don’t be anxious unless it’s important, but don’t be anxious about ANYTHING. How can we do that? We have to turn to the Lord. We have to remember that He is sovereign (in control), and that he knows what is best for us.
These verses don’t just say to sit around and do nothing while we are not being anxious. We talk to God about the things we are anxious about- whether it seems big or little. So is it ok to ask God for the outcome we want? Sure; but He doesn’t promise to give us what we want.
What he does promise, though, is peace. Not just any peace, but a peace that is so great that it is more than we can comprehend; a peace that guards both our hearts AND our minds. That is pretty cool.
You might be looking at the verses wondering how we are supposed to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. How are you supposed to be thankful for something you feel anxious about?
The thanksgiving comes from your knowledge of God- his sovereignty, his promises- he will work things for the good of his children (Romans 8:28), and he will give us his peace. Those are things to be thankful for.
Situations may not turn out how we want them to, and we may not understand God’s plans for us, but we know that he will take care of us. Jesus is a savior you can trust. How wonderful that we have a savior who commands his children not to be anxious!
Have you ever felt God’s peace that passes understanding?