“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)
Some people worry constantly about the future. At every stage in life, they are distracted by the uncertainties and potential unknowns of the next stage. In school, they are worried about life after graduation, after graduation, they worry about employment and making a living and this goes on. Constant and irrational worry and distress over the future is called anxiety.
This emotion is what the bible specifically warns against. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus poses an important question to us ‘which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature”? In essence, Jesus calls us to consider that the disadvantages of worrying are more because it does not change the situation. Instead, He invites us to depend on God. In the previous verses of the same chapter, He calls us to look to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, they neither toil nor spin, yet God takes care of them (Matthew 6:26).
One might argue that living an anxious-free life is almost impossible because the cares of life are ever-present. However, this is not so. 1 John 5:4 shows us that because of our faith in Christ, we have overcome everything in this world, so we are always operating from the side of victory. Therefore, let us consider practical ways to make this legal reality in the word of God vital in our lives.
Firstly, Pray. Prayer is the way we avert the arrows of the enemy. The Bible refers to the enemy as a thief that comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He comes to steal our joy, peace, and faith by planting seeds of doubts, worry, and sadness. This is why Jesus instructs us to pray, and if we do not, we will faint. (Matthew 18:1). Apostle Paul in Romans 12:12, gives us a formula to adopt as our mindset which is to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, remaining steadfast in prayer.
Secondly, rest in the knowledge of the nature of God. The one who has promised will perform (Luke 1:45, Romans 4:20-21). Abraham is our example in faith, he judged God’s character and concluded that God is faithful to His word. The writer of Hebrews tells us that it was easier for Abraham to believe that God would in His faithfulness bring Isaac back to life than go back on His promise (Hebrews 11:17-19). This goes to show that our convictions will inform our conclusions.
Lastly, maintain a positive mindset based on God’s word. Keep the truth before you. Be sure to guard your heart against doubts. Just like Jesus at Jairus’s house, shut out the noise that creates room for doubts, discouragement, and anxiety (Luke 8:51-54).
Dear believer, let nothing steal your joy. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Say this: I will never face a mountain bigger than my God!
Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 33-35, Matthew 11:7-30