What is your response when you’re feeling anxious? Some people double down and try harder to alleviate the stress. Others may feel so overwhelmed that they seek relief by finding ways to escape from the cause of their anxiety. Worry, stress, and anxiety are emotions that all of us have experienced, but the Apostle Paul presents a proven strategy for dealing with anxiety in our lives,

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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Paul tells us not to be anxious about anything, but to pray about everything. When you’re experiencing anxiety, is going to God in prayer your first response or your last resort? One of the reasons why prayer is so effective is that it allows us to reframe our perspective. The more you focus on the source of your anxiety the bigger the problem seems; however, the more you focus on God, the smaller your problem becomes. A proper perspective enables us see God as He is – He is all powerful, all knowing, and always with us. He is bigger than any problem that you may face. Is your view of God big enough to handle the problems you’re facing, or is your God too small?

Going to God in prayer helps you to see that you are not a slave to negative emotions. You cannot control outside events, but you can determine your response to those events. Don’t allow circumstances or others to control your emotional well being. You have control over your thoughts and your behaviors. You must realize that if what you’re thinking is not true, then what you’re feeling is not accurate.

Your worry, stress, and anxiety may not alleviate tomorrow of its problems, but it will sap today of its strength. You are not designed to carry burdens, that is God’s role. We are to give our burdens to God and trust Him to carry the load,

casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

The result of going to God in prayer, is that you trade your anxiety for His peace. His peace is something you may not be able to understand because it’s a peace that transcends our understanding. Even when you don’t understand how the situation will work out, you can experience God’s peace. His peace is able to guard your heart and mind. The word guard is a military term, that conveys the idea to keep by providing protection against the enemy as with a garrison. What is a situation that is causing you anxiety? Don’t let worry, stress, fear, or anxiety rob you of God’s perfect peace.

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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