Philippians 4:6-7
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 minds in Christ Jesus’. (NIV)
Anxious: uneasy, worried, tense, apprehensive.
The devil sure loves to have us in this corner. Theres so much to be anxious about in this world we live in; violence and natural disasters, health problems, money issues, relationship issues . . .
‘Anything’ as used in this text is pretty exhaustive. God doesn’t want you worked up by anything. . not by that sack letter on your dining table, nor by the medical test results confirming your worst fears, not by the cash balance in your bank account. God doesn’t want you worried about the fact that you still don’t have children, or whatever it is that may be stealing your sleep at night.
Not because He’s not interested in what is important to you. Far from it, we have a High Priest who is touched by the feeling of our infirmities. Our being at peace is more important to God than our challenges. When we lay our anxieties at His feet, He gives us peace in exchange. Peace, that cannot be explained or understood. Peace in the face of fire. Peace that can keep our hearts and minds. Perfect peace. . remember His promise to keep in perfect peace, those whose hearts are stayed on Him.
Whatever your worry or anxiety, literally roll it over to the Lord. Be anxious for nothing, however grave or scary. Pray, request and give thanks. . His promise of peace will keep your heart and mind through the most dreary situations.
Shalom.