Do Not Be Anxious

Ruth

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

— Philippians 4:6–7 NLT

We were supposed to be enjoying a family movie on Christmas night. It was the end of a long day full of family, food, and, of course, presents. But instead of having a leisurely night on the couch, we were rushing our oldest daughter to the emergency room because she was having difficulty breathing. And as the moments passed, the worry was suffocating me too.

My mind darted in about a hundred different directions. Doing my best to believe the words I was recalling, I began to pray Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,” even on the way to the hospital, “present your requests to God.”

Our daughter turned out to be just fine. Doctors checked her throat with a scope and didn’t find anything, so we think she may have had a piece of food stuck in her throat that dislodged on the way to the hospital. Still, in the midst of the unknown, not worrying is easier said than done.

When anxiety is great within us, God invites us to bring the weight of what we are carrying to Him. He draws us near to let us know He is with us. Whether our anxiety is because of health, relationships, a job, finances, or friendships, God wants us to remember we are not alone.

I love the promise of today’s verses. Not only do we bring our worry to Him, but God promises to guard our hearts and minds with peace. Paul uses the military term guard to illustrate that God’s peace stands guard or protects us from excessive and unhealthy anxiety. What is this peace? It’s not just a feeling, but the assurance of being right with God. The kind of peace Paul is talking about in these verses is a settled and anchored soul. It is a deep assurance that because of what Christ has done for us, all is well. God is with us and for us no matter what.

What are you anxious about today? Whatever situation you are in, take it to your Father, who loves you and is with you. May the peace of knowing Jesus, and being known by Him, guard your heart and mind. May His peace settle your soul today.

Father, I know You are with me. I bring all of my anxiety to You today. Give me faith where I am lacking. Help me trust You, knowing that You are in control. Guard my heart and my mind with Your peace. Stand guard for me so that I might experience the joy and hope of letting You carry my worry. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What are you most anxious about today?

What is the connection between controlling your thoughts and experiencing God’s peace?