Faithful Friday Losing Anxiety and Finding Peace

A Faithful Friday Post

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.

Philippians 4:6-7

Hello friends and welcome to my first Faithful Friday post of the year! I mentioned in my post about my new words of the year that I also chose a scripture for the year. That scripture is Philippians 4:6-7 and is the basis of today's devotion. 

It is so draining to have anxiety, isn't it? Few things cause such misery as being a worrier and I'm sorry to say that I often find myself worrying and/or being anxious about things. Thinking about the "what ifs" of life can sap energy, cause mental distress and affect our health. As a person of faith, I know that God is in control. But, I still find myself feeling anxious, even about things that are totally out of my control. Not just personal things but events happening in the world around me. There's a whole lot of "stuff" happening in the world right now, isn't there? Much of it is not good. That can contribute to one's anxiety, as well. 

Paul's letter to the Philippians was actually written while he was in jail. Talk about an anxiety inducing place to be! And yet, he admonishes the Philippians to not be anxious about anything! Instead, he tells them to pray about everything and to also be thankful. 

Prayer and gratitude are key components of not having anxiety according to Paul. He also mentions supplication, which means to ask for something earnestly. In other words, we need to ask God for our desires and what we need, thank Him for the many blessings He has given us, give to Him our worries and then leave it all in His very capable hands. 

It is my belief that trust plays a huge part in having the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds, We have to trust that God has planned our life, has our best interests at heart and loves us more than we could ever imagine. Even if circumstances aren't the best. God is still with us and loves us and is working on our behalf. 

This doesn't sugar coat the fact that life can be very hard and health issues, losses and traumas can all affect us in life. But those things happening doesn't mean that God doesn't love us. In John 16:33, Jesus said that in this life we will have tribulation but to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world. Jesus also said that He was telling us this so that we might have peace. 

It's so hard to leave our worries and cares in God's hands and not try to take them back into our own hands! That is why I want to really focus on Philippians 4:6-7 in the coming year. 

Putting my trust in God, praying and being thankful and then feeling God's peace is so much more desirable than sitting with anxiety and worry don't you think? 

What are your thoughts about anxiety, worry and Philippians 4?

Blessings and Peace Until Next Time,

Debbie

John 16:33