The Peace that Transcends Understanding
Anxiety seems to be a curse of the age we live in. Many people battle panic attacks, fear, worry, or stress. It’s difficult to find our bearings during tough days, when we’re dealing with financial pressures, or when we’re experiencing relational discord. But Paul reminds us of a better way.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5)
Our faith should be a source of strength when our natural tendency is to worry. But how do we move from fear to faith? Paul starts with rejoicing. When we choose to rejoice, we take our eyes from our problems and instead look heavenward. It shows our dependence on the One who knows how to shoulder our problems.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Next, we pray. We don’t have to pretend everything is fine. We don’t have to push down our worry. No, we can express it authentically to the One who already knows everything we battle. In that circle of prayer, we ask Jesus to help us manage our daily anxiety.
Paul reminds us that we can ask God for help “in every situation” (verse 6). That means every— absolutely every—situation!
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
And once we entrust our worries to him, surprising peace envelops our hearts.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for caring about me and the things that concern me. I long for the peace you promise. I give you all my worries today, big and small. I choose to trust you with everything. Amen.
Putting it into Action
List everything that is bothering you today. Then write a prayer, giving all those worries, big or small, to God. May you sense his presence and be filled with his peace today.
Drawn from the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible.
NIV Radiant Virtues Bible
The NIV Radiant Virtues Bible invites you to discover how the themes of faith, hope and love are woven through both the stories of the Bible and your own life. Features Scripture verse art, journaling prompts and wide lined margins for your own reflections.
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Thank you for this article. I recently lost my mother and it has been hard trying to understand and cope with the loss. Then comes the worry of what to do with her things and how to fill the hole left behind. Thank God, He will see me through.
Mr Zimmerman, I’m so sorry for your loss. You don’t need to worry about filling the void. God is the only One who can. The Lord is near those who are brokenhearted. He’s with you through this trying time. Just hold on.
Thank you for this word today. I have been feeling anxious and worried. Today, I put those anxieties and worries in the hands of you Lord.
Amen. He will never leave you nor forsake you. The Lord is always close to the brokenhearted. He is with you.
Thank you so much for sharing this article. My family is trusting God for a financial breakthrough but I’m experiencing so much peace through this difficult time.
Mrs Lorraine, May this peace flood your soul. Amen.
Thank you for this word today. I am 81 years old and so is my husband. All of my extended family that are left are old and in various degrees of poor heath other than my children and grandchildren. It’s hard to be a care giver and mostly shut in. I depend on God who promises to always be with me and never forsake me. This article encourages me to always rejoice and have joy in all things.
Dear Ina, You’re blessed with long life, and so is your family. The Lord is with you to the very end of time. Fear not, for He is with you. I’ll leave you with this verse: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV God bless you.
I thank God Almighty for His blessings and love upon me and my children. I know I can do nothing without Jesus, so I hand everything to Him and trust that He will never allow me and my family to be put to shame.
Amen!!!
I have been having anxiety for a long time due to my status and my family back home . May God help me through His words and prayers.
Praying for peace and provision. You are going to be where the Lord wants you to be. He will always walk with you. May He take those worries from your heart.
The Lord is our ever-present help in trouble and in need. He is with you, Grace. May the good grace of the Lord uphold you, Amen. I’ll leave you with this verse: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalms 46:1-11 NIV
I have worries over my financial situation. But today’s message has helped me to pray and lay them all before God. I believe He will see me through and not allow me to be ashamed.
He won’t fail you. He won’t let you down. He’ll see you through.
I don’t need to worry any more because I believe in the words on the cross that it is finished.
Hallelujah! May the peace of the Lord always comfort me especially during this time when I am worried and confused. May he guard my heart not to lose hope. In Jesus’ name Amen! Thanks for this word.