Overcoming Anxiety

When we think of all we want in life, joy ranks high. So does peace. And here, in the God-breathed, inspired Word that comes straight from the mind and heart of God, we have the source of both joy and peace. To enjoy these two qualities of life, you must…

Rejoice. This is a command, my friend. It’s an exhortation to cheerfulness. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). We are to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what is happening to us.

Pray. This too is not optional… it’s a command. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Rather than suffering from anxiety, you are to present your needs to the Lord and trust Him to provide for you and yours.

And the results? The sweet, sweet results? First, you will experience “the peace of God” — the peace that is characteristic of God Himself. Even when your difficult circumstances don’t change, God’s peace will prevail.

And second, God’s peace will stand guard over you, like a soldier or a sentinel, protecting you against the anxieties and worries that want to attack your heart and mind. Through prayer you will truly experience God’s peace that surpasses all human comprehension.

Read Overcoming Anxiety on Elizabeth & Jim George.