Prayer and Anxiety

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Scripture:

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not worry about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

Observation:

Paul had been in enough situations in life that he would have understood the temptation to worry. At the same time he had learned much about the faithfulness of God. This was a man who learned to pray continually, in every single circumstance of life, always giving the situation back to God. 

The result of Paul’s prayers was that he learned about the peace of God. This peace would wash over him, even when he couldn’t explain what it was that was happening in his life. He knew that by praying and spending time in God’s presence, the hearts and minds of believers would be guarded. Only in this way could peace reign in the most difficult of circumstances. 

Application:

It seems that most followers of Jesus Christ would say that prayer must be a priority. At the same time, while we say this with our words, I’m not so sure that we practice it with our lives. Real time in prayer takes self-discipline and a commitment to spending time with the Lord. Paul had learned that prayer was a regular and on-going practice in his life. It had become a part of who he was and he was in continual conversation with the Lord. In the same way prayer is to become a part of our lives. It takes time and self-discipline so that we can develop this kind of a relationship with our holy God. 

Anxiety is pervasive in society and Christians are not immune. The promise from God is that we can live in the peace of Christ, even when in the midst of difficulties. After the resurrection Jesus appeared to his followers and declared, “Peace be with you.” This was his promise, even when he knew that they would all be facing challenging times and many difficulties. The peace of God was a promise that would bind the hearts and minds of those who were willing to daily soak in God’s holy presence. 

There will be plenty of situations in life that will cause worry and anxiety. We are challenged to live into a life of prayer, committing ourselves to getting to know Christ on an ever-increasing level. It’s then that the Prince of Peace becomes a greater reality, enveloping us in God’s holy love and presence. Prayer becomes the antidote for anxiety, for it unleashes the peace of Christ. 

Prayer:


Lord, please lead me onward in my walk with you. Please hep name to dwell in that place of your holy peace. Amen. 

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