Anxiety and Peace



Prayer: Be still my soul before the Lord, For God is always near

Before your mind is moved to pray, God listens and will hear

You need not multiply your words, Nor pray with practiced art

Beyond all speech God understand, The hunger of your heart



Read: Philippians 4:4–8
http://www.esvbible.org/Philippians 4:4-8



Think about It: Isaac Newton’s third law of physics is “To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.” This is not true only in physics, it is also true in matters of the faith as well. In so many different aspects of the faith, we have to learn how to live in a place of tension. Two forces push against one another and often we feel stuck in the middle.

Our reading for today takes us to just such a tension. Paul places us right between a rock and hard place – anxiety and peace. And in the midst of that tension Paul throws another log on the fire and says that we are to rejoice as well. What a spiritual jumble. Our answer to this conundrum lies the spiritual path found in Philippians 4. It is fairly straightforward, but it is important to leave none of it out!


Rejoice – in the Lord. You don’t have to rejoice over your circumstance, but the Lord is always worth rejoicing over.

Gentleness – When we come under pressure we often let everyone else know because our distress oozes out or perhaps even explodes out. Instead, we are to let a gentle spirit show.

Remember, despite your situation, the Lord is always near. You are never in it alone – ever.

Do not be anxious – this is the tough one. Anxiety can take on a life of its own. But it need not be allowed to rule your life. There is an antidote.

Prayer – Give your problem over to the Lord, trusting that He is more than capable of taking care of you. That step may require a little practice and determination but the reward is worth it.

Peace – Surrendering that anxiety mean that God can replace it with His peace – the peace that passes understanding.

Attitude – it’s time to allow the Lord to adjust that attitude. Instead of thinking about our struggles, we dwell instead on the beautiful things of God. We may need His help to adjust that thinking but if we are willing He is able to help us dwell on the “whatevers” (truth, nobility righteousness, purity, lovely, admirable, excellence, praiseworthiness).



     As a spiritual exercise, these particular verses might prove to be worth dwelling upon for several days in a row. Memorizing the seven steps listed above would make beginning each day in this spiritual place simple and worthwhile. Then living in that tension between anxiety and peace might become a source of inspiration rather than irritation.



Prayer: Wait then in quiet confidence Your anxious thoughts at rest

God knows your needs before you ask And works for what is best

Be still my soul before the Lord On God in patience wait

God’s love unseen surrounds your life God’s help will not be late
©1955 GIA Publications Inc. Used by permission. Hymn License.Net #100012090

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