“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
Remember when you finished primary school? Your biggest worry then was to pass the entrance examination and gain admission to secondary school. You finally made it but your worrying did not stop there because as it appears, there were major exams and hurdles to scale especially the final examinations to qualify for admission to the university.
Even when you got to the university, newer worries emerged. You started to panic about courses that you thought you could not pass until you finally graduated.
In every stage of life, human beings have a propensity to worry. There is always one new concern, challenge, milestone or the other to face. We have subconsciously made worrying a part of who we are. Many of us don’t notice that the same things we worried about in the past are no longer problems today; why then do we keep worrying?
Friends, worrying is a bad habit. It is a terrible way to handle pressure. Moreso, it solves nothing. Jesus asked His disciples, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27 NKJV). Worrying doesn’t increase your life span instead it shortens it.
It is a sign of immaturity to have experienced God’s faithfulness in the past and still not be assured of His ability to secure your future. The children of Israel saw a sea parted, water turned to blood, plagues visited upon their enemies while they were kept safe, miracles upon miracles yet at the slightest inconvenience, they forgot! They went on complaining and grumbling (Exodus 16:3).
We behave in like manner when we get overwhelmed by our present conditions, forgetting that God who had delivered us in the past can secure our present and future. When we are tempted to worry, we must reflect on God’s faithfulness to us in the past, we must also give thanks and pray, telling God about our challenges (Philippians 4:6).
Jesus being in a human form like us, was worried about facing death (Matthew 26:38). In response to His worries, He prayed and an Angel came and strengthened Him (Luke 22:43). This is the peace of God that our anchor text emphasises.
Instead of feeding your worries, pray! Your conviction in God’s ability to help you must supersede your feelings. As you pray, give thanks and meditate on God’s faithfulness, then the peace of God will envelop you; guard your heart and strengthen you.
Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 3