Vol. 4, No. 12
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
or,
Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.
Worry is that growl in the pit of your stomach, those tense muscles in the back of your neck; the need for Ultra Strength Motrin in the middle of the night.
There was a jailbreak. Anxiety!! Along with the escapee came his cohorts and the anxiety that flooded the neighborhood because of their character of “crimes:” dread, fear, concern, and uneasiness. All this was on the prowl seeking to destroy and steal a very precious commodity, the personal sense of security.
When we worry, our minds become wrapped up in a problem. We turn the issue over and over, examine it from every angle, in the hope of coming up with a solution. When we do not find a quick answer, we double our emotional and mental energy; and become consumed by the dilemma.
The root idea for the word anxiety means to take responsibility. When I am anxious, I have assumed responsibility for what is happening in my life and assume I have to provide for my own needs.
Yet we are familiar with what Jesus said, Do not worry, for your heavenly Father knows your needs (Matthew 6:31-32). It is plain that the answer is not to be all wrapped up in my options, opinions, and schemes, but where my heart resides. I must bow my heart to the One who knows my needs. Mentally and in my heart, I have to make the jump that I do not have to step in and take over responsibility. I can leave it in His hands. He will provide!
If I will, mentally and emotionally leave it with Him, a great promise is offered. The peace of God will guard my heart and mind.
- My heart is the seat of my emotions and feelings
- My mind is the center of my thinking, my will, and of my decision-making
Like a squad of Marines, protecting the gates to the base, God, in Christ, guards my heart and my mind. With that kind of neighborhood watch plan, anxiety does not have a chance!
Who is guarding your heart and mind?
If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:7 NLT
