“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV
Anxiety is a common struggle that many of us face, especially in today’s fast-paced and uncertain world. There always seems to be one reason or the other to be worried, fearful or anxious.
Our anchor scripture is an admonition from Paul to the Phillipian church written while he was in prison. How could a man in a situation that would ordinarily evoke fear and anxiety encourage others not to be anxious? What did Paul know that held him up during such turbulent times? Today we will be exploring practical ways to navigate anxiety as a believer as well as finding peace in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
One way to deal with anxiety is meditating on Scriptures. When you meditate on Scriptures, you put God’s word before you while actively debunking every thought that does not align with God’s vision for your life (Psalm 119:11). Put aside worrying on things that may not even be true and focus on the truth of God’s word. The more you meditate on Scriptures, the more you see that God cares for you and is way bigger than whatever is causing you to worry.
Also, stop feeding the anxiety with thoughts and images that magnify fear in your heart! Instead, remind yourself about the fact that your Father is Jireh, the providential God (Genesis 22:14). He not only provides but has made provision even before the need arose. If He provided salvation even before you realised you needed it, how much more other things (Romans 8:32)?
Another way to deal with anxiety is prayer. We are repeatedly instructed in God’s word to pray instead of worrying (Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7). In prayer you can leave your worries before God and receive prevailing peace (John 14:27)). As you pray, you receive strength by God’s Spirit to face whatever is before you (Jude 1:20). Furthermore, in prayer, you can receive instructions about what to do regarding worrying situations.
When anxious feelings creep in, you should also stay rejoicing, giving thanks to God (Philippians 4:6). As you thank God, you are reminded of past incidents where God had shown up and this stirs up your faith and knocks away anxiety.
Dear believer, do not be anxious about anything. Regardless of life’s happenings, never forget that Jireh has got you, He will take care of you. Say goodbye to fear and anxiety today!
Bible Reading Plan: 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24