Having fear and anxiety is a common affliction among many people today. Both world events, the declining economy, and personal problems can really stoke the anxiety in people. Worry and anxiety can not only ruin your day, but continued anxiety can put a damper on one’s family and relationships. Ongoing or persistent anxiety can even be bad for your health.
As we know, stress, anxiety, worries, and fear can ruin what could be a good day. A trip to the grocery store with the high price of food, the bills piling up at home, especially with winter coming and knowing how costly the heating bill will be, and fear that your income might not continue. These can ruin a day , and even cause us to snap out at our family and friends. Many people turn to psychiatrists, but seeing one costs an exorbitant amount of money. Plus they don’t always help. The problems happening all around the world are distressing, and also cause worry and fear. Is there anything we can do to bring some peace into our lives? We can find God’s answer in our Scripture for today.
The church in Philippi faced persecution, which could include economic deprivations in addition to personal assaults. Paul knew that this would cause stress and worries to his fellow believers there. The apostle knew all about living with trials and problems that would normally bring anxiety in most people. However he never seemed to succumb to those feelings. What was his secret? How come so many people, including believers, can’t seem to find any peace? Paul shares what the Lord taught him here in the middle of the final chapter to his letter to the Philippians.
No one wants more worries in their life. We all want to worry less. God’s Word says that in order for that to happen, we need to pray more. We should turn our worries into prayers. Fretting and worrying indicates a lack of trust in God’s wisdom, sovereignty, and power. Instead, we should delight in the Lord and meditate on His Word. He is the only One who has the power and wisdom to deal with every issue perfectly. When we are submitted to God, who always works in our best interests, we have absolutely nothing to fear.
When we bring our prayers and petitions to the Lord, trusting in Him to answer us, they should be accompanied by thanksgiving (vs. 6). Even though we may not see the answers to our prayers immediately, we should always thank God, knowing He will bring them when the time is right. Be thankful for what God has done in the past, what He is doing in the present, and shall do in the future. Be thankful for all things - material, physical, and spiritual. As Paul emphasizes to us, gratitude should always accompany prayer.
When we have a grateful attitude and unwavering trust in God, He promises us inner calm and tranquility (vs. 7). His peace will guard us from anxiety, doubt, fear, and distress. It is the promised result of bringing our prayers to God and being thankful.
God’s peace is different from the world’s peace. It is not found in diplomatic talks by world leaders, or in the absence of conflict. We don’t get it by having positive thoughts or good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Jesus promised Christians this peace in John 14:27. We can get this only when we put everything in His hands - our lives, our worries, and our future.
God’s peace is one that is beyond anyone’s understanding, and He will bring it to us when everyone else would be collapsing under stress and worry. When we are rooted in a deep relationship with the Lord Jesus, we can have a peace which is beyond explanation. Everything can be chaotic around us, but we will have peace. Come to Him in prayer today, casting all of your burdens upon Him. He will then bring you His peace. The Lord is with us, and we have nothing to fear.
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