I don’t know one person who would not desire to have peace. For me peace is what I desire more than anything else. What I mean by peace is an inner calm, free from anxiety, free from worry, free from fear. Some people may debate is that even possible? My answer, is yes! Through my own struggles with fear, anxiety, stress, and worry I have learned that this inner peace is possible but it is something that we must seek diligently. It’s not going to just come, you gotta actually work to get it. The peace I am talking about doesn’t dissolve problems, it creates an ability to do what you need to do in the midst of hardships and stressful moments of life. This peace that I am talking about gives you the confidence to know that even though your in a poopy situation at the moment there is an end to it.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Let’s break this down. I am the kind of person who needs to understand what words mean. So here’s some definitions.
Anxious (adjective) experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Anxious (adjective) wanting something very much, typically with a feeling of unease.
Prayer - a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship.
Petition - (noun) a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause.
Petition - (verb) make or present a formal request to an authority with respect to a particular cause.
Thanksgiving - the expression of gratitude, especially to God.
Ok now that we understand what these words mean lets get the meaning out of this verse.
Do not be anxious about anything - God is giving us the opportunity to rely fully on him. In order to rely on him we must believe that he is our Creator, our heavenly Father, our Father who created us with a specific plan and purpose. God is saying through this scripture, there is absolutely no need to be anxious, I got you! I am your Daddy!
I recently went to visit my niece for her 1st birthday. She does not have a worry in the world. She doesn’t worry about where her next meal is coming from she trusts that her Daddy is going to feed her, and he does! God wants this kind of relationship with us. But first we must believe he exists, and believe he is our Creator and heavenly Father. We have to realize how much he truly loves us and wants the very best for us. This is not about “religion” this is about relationship. Understanding who God is in relation to you is the foundation of the relationship, once you realize that you get the perks of being God’s kid!
Matthew 6:31-33 So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat? or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 7:7-11 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Prayer & Petition - Have you ever been to a restaurant and wanted to order another item? When the waiter came over what did you do? You asked! We need to speak! Open our mouths and ask for what it is we need. We must ask God for help. “ God, I am feeling anxious about xyz, please help me in Jesus name Amen.” Prayers can be simple and direct but the point is you must ask! Remember ask and you will receive! Petition is a formal request, write down your request to God, write him your prayer! Write him a letter! If you want to overcome what you are going through badly enough you will do it. You can petition by formally asking God. “ Father my heavenly Father, my creator, I am feeling anxious about xyz, I need your help, I promise to do your will please lead me with your peace and take this anxiety from me. In Jesus name Amen.”
Thanksgiving - Take notice of the things your are grateful for, during your anxiety you may be focusing on all the things wrong rather than the things that are right. Even in relationships with friends and family haven’t you noticed you want to give more when someone is grateful for the things you have already given them? Thank God for all that he has brought you through. Thank him for the blessings currently in your life. Remember the former miracles. Write down 10 things you are grateful for now!
The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds - It’s not your body that needs God’s peace, it is your heart and your mind. That is where the anxiety rests, in your heavy heart, and anxious thoughts. God is promising to protect your heart and your mind. First acknowledge that he exists, if this is hard for you, say a simple prayer like “God, I believe you exist, but help me with my unbelief.” God is promising that if you pray, petition, and be grateful he will guard your heart, and your mind, and you will have peace! Why not give it a try, you will either be better off than you are or the same.
Questions to ask yourself:
What is taking away your peace?
What brings you the most peace?
Could the things that are taking away your peace be resolved? How?
Action steps to maintain peace:
You must seek peace. It isn’t going to just come into your life. You must evaluate what is taking your peace and find a way to either deal with it or change the circumstance. In other words you are going to have to get real with yourself. This might mean changing the people you hang around with, if they are the cause of your lack of peace, or if that is not possible this may mean changing your attitude toward the situation.
Stay in the presence of God. God promises peace in his presence. Staying in God’s presence means acknowledging him, his word, keeping verses in your mind instead of the garbage that causes you anxiety. Take notice when you are thinking wrong thoughts, thoughts that make you anxious, have your word weapons ready! Say in your mind or declare out loud, I am kept in perfect peace!
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Let peace be your guide. When making decisions let peace about the situation determine if it is the best direction to go. If there is no peace about it, it isn’t from God. He promises to always lead us in peace. This will also prevent further anxieties by not getting ourselves into situations that are confusing, harmful, and hard to get out of.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
May you be filled to overflowing with peace! God bless you, and thank you for reading!
Danielle
