Free Grace Women

“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 (NKJV) 

Anxiety vs. Peace

In these verses written to the Philippians, I see two opposites, anxiety and peace. The definition of anxious in the Webster’s Dictionary is “characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind, worried.” Peace, on the other hand, is defined as “a state of tranquility or quiet.”

So we must have a mental attitude of tranquility and quiet about everything! This is so hard in our anxiety-ridden world. So often I cross from concern (we are supposed to be concerned) to anxiousness! There is such a fine line between the two.

Anxiety in my life brings fearfulness to my spirit.

The Bible has many verses concerning fear: one of my favorites is “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) The word sound doesn’t just mean sanity but to have self-control and self-discipline. I have to remind myself that I cannot be free from fear and anxiety without the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I have to submit, trust, and obey! I need to daily walk in the light and apply I John 1:9.

Anxiety Pains 

When we are anxious we are not fully trusting God to deal with whatever situation we are facing.

Anxiety affects not only our daily spiritual growth but also our mind, body, and emotional health.

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV) Years ago I ended up in the doctor’s office with extreme jaw, head, neck, arm, hand, and shoulder pain on my left side. I was sent home with pain medication and a muscle relaxer. It was recommended that I also go to physical therapy. The therapist was puzzled by the pattern of my pain so she did some research and discovered that I was tensing my neck and shoulders which directly pinched a nerve in my neck and caused this pattern of pain. She taught me some exercises to help relieve the pain. This extreme pain in my body was being caused by tensed muscles due to anxiety in my life. 

Anxiety Prescription 

When I am anxious, I find that meditating on God’s word helps me to have peace.

Focusing on God’s character lessens my anxiety level. God is love, good, merciful, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, holy, just, faithful, never changing, and gracious. When we remember who God is, we can then take our eyes off the circumstances that cause us to be anxious. Psalm 46 is an excellent source of comfort to me. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (KJV) I love that it says present help: not just past or future help, but right now He is my help. Another verse of comfort is “….For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) Note that word never. We are often told to never say never because we are not sure we can follow through, but when God says never he means it and it will be fulfilled. 

Jesus told His disciples “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV) We live in a sinful world and we will have troubles and trials but Jesus gave us these words to give us peace and comfort. 

Anxious People

In Luke 10:38-42, we find the story of Mary and Martha who were sisters. Jesus is welcomed into their house.  Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to His word but we are told Martha is distracted with much serving. In other words, she is anxious about preparing, cooking, and serving the food. She tells Jesus to tell Mary to get up and help serve. “And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) How many times per day do we worry about the many things surrounding us instead of focusing on what God has done for us? 

I am thankful that even when I allow myself to become anxious, God is there to help me and guide me. He gave me eternal life through believing in His Son, Jesus Christ. Nothing is too big or impossible for Him to handle. 

Edward H. Joy expressed this idea in his hymn:

“All your anxiety, all your care, 

Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there, 

Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus! 

I want to share a few more verses that can bring peace in your anxious world.

  “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

(NKJV) “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)