Louis Locke
“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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
What a scripture! I don’t know how many times the truth and direction in this verse have allowed me to put worry and the Rolaids back on the shelf and move ahead into situations with the confidence and peace of God in my heart. We all have experience with being anxious — you know, concerned, distressed, troubled, uneasy, afraid, apprehensive, nervous … but the word of God addresses this head-on.
Our lives are experiencing issues, problems, and challenges in a plethora of arenas: personal, relational, financial, political, national, and international. I’m sure you know what I mean — there are many things you are facing that can be very fertile ground for anxiety to grow and flourish.
Join me instead in following Paul’s advice from the verse above:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
“In everything” means just that. In all things that touch your life, bring your requests concerning those things to God in prayer, telling him the details and expressing your heart, “… with Thanksgiving.” Thankful that you can come to him, thankful that he hears you, thankful that nothing is too hard for him or beyond his mighty hand.
The second part of this magnificent verse gives us the results of obeying and living in the first part: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
“The peace of God” — (the world has absolutely nothing to compare with it) — “Which surpasses all understanding” (transcends human understanding) — “Will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!” (To guard as a sentinel, watchman; keeping constant guard on your heart and mind which are targets for fear and anxiety).
Jesus, help us live in the principles and power of your word, and to replace anxiety with the peace of God.
Louis J. Locke is the founding pastor at Carson City Foursquare Church.