“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
In the midst of life’s many trials, it is so easy to fall victim to anxiety. This crippling sense of worry, fear, and/or concern can hinder our ability to worship or simply enter into the presence of God. So how do we combat this?
- The first thing to do is identify the source. Why do you feel so anxious? Is it fear of failure, rejection, or something else? Maybe you are embarking on a new season of life and you have no idea how to navigate it. Ask God to search your heart and expose the root cause of these feelings.
- Next, submit that thing to God in prayer and supplication. Be honest with God about what you are going through and how it is making you feel. He is eager to help you through it and give you peace of mind.
- Give thanks to God for freeing you from anxiety and addressing the matter(s) that triggered it. Though it may not seem resolved in the moment, we give thanks to God in faith that He is taking care of everything that concerns us, whether we can see it or not.
- Receive the peace of God by faith. According to Philippians 4:6-7, there is peace available to us but we must make a conscious decision to walk in it daily.
- Lastly, identify some anchor scriptures that you can meditate on that continuously encourage you to trust in God and be anxious for nothing. Some of my favorites are Psalm 34:10 and Isaiah 41:10 but feel free to use any other scriptures as well.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your word today. Please give me the grace to truly be focused on your word so I can find peace that can be found in you alone in Jesus name. Amen.