Be Anxious for Nothing

Scripture

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Let’s Get Into It

Anxiety is defined as fear, worry, or unease about what MIGHT happen next. It’s the stories we make up in our minds that keep us trapped in cycles of what-if. It’s the reel of unhinged possibilities running wild in our imagination, leaving no room for peace or solutions. So how do we become a people who are anxious for nothing in a world that is unpredictable? Wherever we look, there is tragedy, sickness, and death that seem poised to overwhelm us if we choose to indulge in them. How do we learn to lean toward hope when uncertainty and chaos naturally seem to overpower peace?

The word says that in every situation we should pray with thanksgiving and make our requests known to God. This may seem counterintuitive because, as people, we don’t like to waste time and are inclined to find solutions ourselves. But it takes humility to pray and ask the Lord for help. 2 Chronicles says, If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray… I will hear from heaven (7:14). Yet we rather fight off insanity in our own strength, applying earthly solutions to spiritual matters. There are genuine reasons to worry: will the sickness in my body or my child’s lead to death? Will I have the provision I need to take care of my home or business? Will I get the help I need as a single parent raising my children? Is there someone out there for me, or will I be alone? And so on and so forth. Matthew 6:34 says, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (MSG).

The root of anxiety is fear, and sometimes genuine fear becomes irrational realities when we constantly meditate on them. The Word says in 2 Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind (1:7). So we must question what spirit is driving our thought life and keeping us stuck. God’s word clearly says that the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds, that his goal is for you to have a sound mind, and that he is a present help in need (Isaiah 54:10). So it is our adversary who is silently creating internal warfare, which then causes us to lack faith in the Lord’s help.

You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. (James 2:22).

I draw my point from the scripture above; for faith to work, your actions must align with faith, not work against it. Anxiety is a force that seeks to cripple you physically and mentally; it is a stronghold that works against your faith. It should never be treated as a friend or something to comfort; it should be treated as an intrusive stranger getting in the way of your peace! Anxiety tells lies about you; it says you are weak, that you are stuck, and that you will always be where you’ve been, in cycles of stress, hurt, and everything lining up against you. It says you will never be free, but these are all lies. For your faith to work, sometimes you have to fight your internal war with force and aggression, using the power God has given you. You must demand that everything in your mind that seeks to cause confusion, fear, and stagnation be put to death so peace, love, and security from the Lord can live within you. Trust that he can bring you through any season in your life. I know there may be times when you feel ill-equipped for what you’re faced with, but the truth is, everything you need to prevail is already in your possession; it’s already within you! 

You may now be in a place where the doctor’s report doesn’t align with the plans you’ve set for your life, or your finances, or lack thereof, are keeping you from living the life God has intended. No, it doesn’t feel good. It feels unfair, and you may even feel more alone than ever. But this is a good time to cast your cares upon the Lord and ask him to see you. The Word says, Worry about nothing and pray about everything (Philippians 4:6). God is a present help, which means he comforts and provides peace at just the right times. You are strong. You are an overcomer. You are not helpless! And you have to ask yourself the same question Jesus asked: Can all my worries add a single moment to my life? (Matthew 6:27). – No! So it’s time to get up and fight for your peace!

Prayer 

Lord, I boldly approach your throne of grace today to pray for all who have been suffering from anxiety. I pray that you open their eyes to see that anxiety is a thief seeking to steal their peace and joy. I pray that all intrusive thoughts be silenced and that your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guide their hearts and minds. Lord, I pray that they cast aside their pride and humbly ask for the help they need in this season of their lives, because their strength is not enough to make them whole. Only your strength can bring them through! Father, I pray that you give them strategies and tools to handle the anxieties that come with life’s hardships. Increase their faith today. We call on no other name but yours. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Questions for the week (Grab a notebook and dedicate it to these weekly devotions, and comment below if you like)

1. How has anxiety shown up in your life? Do you usually cope well when you are anxious, or do your thoughts usually take over?
2. What’s one thing you’re anxious about right now? Write a short prayer asking the Lord to help you with it.
3. It has been revealed that anxiety is a thief and a liar. What has anxiety stolen from you, and what lies about you did it tell that you believed? Once you have listed them, pray that the Lord brings restoration to these areas of your life.
4. Anxiety brings a spirit of fear, which is not of the Lord. How will you use the power the Lord has given you to walk in love and cultivate a sound mind? (For example, spend less time on social media to avoid comparison and more time learning the Word to know what God says about you.)
5. Some things take time and consistency before you see lasting change. What will you implement in your life to make sure anxiety is no longer in the driver’s seat?

Come back next Sunday for the new weekly devotion! Please like this post if you were encouraged. See you then!

If you missed last week’s devotional, click here.