Few of us are strangers to anxiety. It creeps in over big and little things, gnawing away at our insides. Someone graphically described anxiety as “a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained." The etymology of our word worry can be traced back to the Old High German word “wurgen” which means “to strangle,” which is exactly what worry does to our joy and peace. Mental health experts say anxiety is one of the most common issues plaguing their patients. We worry about our finances—“How will we pay for this? What if I lose my job?” We worry about our health—“What if I get cancer? I googled my symptoms and I’m pretty sure I’m dying!” We get anxious about our children—“Will they survive? Will they truly follow Jesus? Will they marry the right person?” Sometimes we can’t even identify any specific reason for our anxiety, but it’s very real and it’s eating away at our insides. If we don’t deal with it properly, it can turn into all sorts of real health problems, which in turn feeds more anxiety. More importantly, if we don’t deal with it properly, it can hinder our relationship with the Lord, our growth in holiness, our ability to rejoice, and our witness to the watching world.

But here is the amazing thing for followers of Jesus…

Christ promised us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Jesus spoke these comforting words on the most difficult night He faced on this earth, the night before His crucifixion. Jesus had peace. Jesus is peace, and Jesus has given us His peace. Seven times in the New Testament God is called the “God of peace” or “Lord of peace.” Believe it or not, that peace can be the constant experience of every Christian, even in the midst of trials.

Paul gives us the antidote for anxiety and the pathway to experiencing God’s peace in Philippians 4:6–8. He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

According to this text:
First, we must confess our anxiety to the Lord.
“Do not be anxious about anything” is a present imperative meaning it is a command to be obeyed, not just a suggestion to be considered. We must not excuse or justify our anxiety but rather confess it and repent every time we find our hearts growing fearful or our thoughts running wild with worry.

Next, we need to request God’s help in prayer.
“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.” Be anxious for NOTHING, but pray about EVERYTHING. Paul is teaching us to give it to God. As Martin Luther said jokingly, “Pray and let God worry.” As Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you.” And 1 Peter 5:7 says, “casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” God can handle it! Fight anxiety with faith in God, and faith in God is expressed through prayer to God.

Next, we need to receive God’s peace.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is not the absence of conflict or trouble, rather it is the inward tranquility of soul that flows from a confident trust in God’s flawless wisdom and infinite power despite the storms of life. This peace is not a worldly peace based on circumstances. Worldly peace must be guarded and preserved from countless dangers. But God’s peace is different because God’s peace guards US! “Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

God’s peace is supernatural and beyond explanation—it “surpasses understanding.” Not like the world's peace which is explainable when all is going well. This phrase “surpasses understanding” means that mere human reason alone cannot account for why you are experiencing peace despite all that is going on. It’s a peace that is supernatural and doesn’t make sense in the worlds eyes. Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because He trusts in you.”

Lastly, we must reflect on godly virtues.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” In this verse, Paul connects the heart and the head. When we feel anxiety in the heart, our minds can start racing and thinking about all kinds of worst-case scenarios and what-ifs, with no thought of God and His sovereignty and goodness. This means the fight against anxiety is a battle for the mind. We must align our thoughts with God’s. We must meditate on these godly virtues, focusing our minds specifically on Christ who perfectly fulfills all of these virtues. Only then will our minds be filled up with the good, the true, the beautiful—not worldliness, doubts, worries, or sin. Practically this means we must also stay away from all that is false, dishonorable, unjust, impure, ugly, improper, inferior, and unworthy. As believers, it is so important that we both guard our minds against sinful and unworthy thoughts, as well as fill our minds with God’s Word and God’s promises so that our minds are renewed and we experience peace.

Whatever has you worried this week, see it as an opportunity to pray and drive you to God who is our only hope and peace in this life. There is no reason to carry burdens today when you have a Heavenly Father who cares for you.