Finding Peace Amidst Anxiety: A Journey Through Scripture

Reflection on Anxiety and the Holidays

As we approach the holiday season, many of us feel a surge of anxiety. What are the things causing you stress right now? How does that anxiety manifest in your life?

This morning, I want to clarify that a one-hour message will not magically erase your anxiety or the situations causing it. The topic of anxiety is complex and deep. There is much good teaching available, but there is also a lot of misinformation. Discernment is key. Today, let's ground our discussion in scripture to illuminate the path toward peace.

I am not a licensed psychiatrist, counselor, or physician. What we discuss here is not a substitute for professional treatment. Please do not stop any medication or mental health care without consulting your healthcare provider. You are responsible for your choices regarding your health. This is not a comprehensive study of anxiety; it is a small but vital part of a larger conversation.

Among the many resources available for handling anxiety, the most important is knowing what God says and acting on it.

The Character of God

Before Paul offers instructions about anxiety, he emphasizes a crucial character trait of God towards His children.

"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

Understanding Peace

My favorite resources for exploring biblical words are biblehib.com and Blue Letter Bible. According to these resources, the Greek word for peace in the New Testament is eiréné. This word is a noun that signifies wholeness. When all essential parts are joined together, we experience peace. God's gift of wholeness is when nothing is missing or falling apart.

Peace means being fully present, with our emotions, thoughts, and decisions aligned in Christ Jesus. This is the essence of the Hebrew concept of Shalom—being in alignment with Jesus. When we are whole and aligned, we become decisive, calm, and clear-minded.

Jesus said, "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give…” — John 14:27. This peace is unique and heavenly, something only God can provide.

Receiving God's Peace

Today, let's explore how to receive God's peace in the context of Christian living, focusing on Philippians 4:6-7.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all reason, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

— Philippians 4:6-7

The Meaning of "Anxious"

When I look up the word "anxious" in Philippians 4:6, I find merimnaó. This verb means to be divided into parts or drawn in opposite directions. We can experience this feeling for both positive and negative reasons.

For example, when someone you love is away, part of your heart is with them, creating a sense of division. As a mother, I feel this whenever my kids are away, whether at youth camp or a friend's house. Conversely, feeling anxious can mean "going to pieces" because we feel pulled apart by stress.

The Impact of Thoughts

Thoughts can have a profound effect on our lives. When I find myself in a cycle of anxious thinking, my thoughts swirl around the source of my anxiety. I call this a "Thought Tornado." I think about what could happen or what might have happened differently. This lack of control can lead to confusion and fear.

Have you ever felt this way? You want to go one way, but you find yourself going another. You want to sleep, yet your mind races through the night. You argue with yourself, feeling divided.

When something meant to be whole is torn apart, it hurts. You were created to be whole, not divided. Jesus came to "set us free" (John 8:36). He paid the ransom for our freedom, but we must trust Him to lead us from anxiety to peace.

Filling the Void

God doesn't just tell us to "stop it" or "don't be anxious." He understands that nature abhors a vacuum. We can't simply eliminate anxious thoughts; we must fill that void with thoughts of Christ. The next verse reminds us:

"Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, whatever is lovely, admirable—excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

— Philippians 4:8

Control: What We Can and Cannot Change

Let's revisit the key verse:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything."

This phrase creates a stark contrast. It is possible to be anxious about everything, but we don’t have to remain anxious about anything.

First Step to Freedom

In everything—every morning, night, decision, conversation, and struggle—you can choose to pray.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer (Greek: proseuché) is a conversation where two individuals exchange wishes. Imagine having intimate conversations with God, sharing your hopes and dreams.

From the moment you wake up, direct your thoughts to God. It takes practice, but the more you do it, the more natural it becomes.

Letting Go of Independence

Independence in our relationship with God is a burden we were never meant to bear. Releasing our grip on control allows us to rest in the knowledge that God is in control.

Pray at all times on every occasion, in every season. — Ephesians 6:18

Supplication: A Heartfelt Petition

Paul emphasizes both prayer and supplication for a reason. Supplication (Greek: deésis) refers to heartfelt petitions arising from a deep need.

Emotions take work. It can be exhausting to acknowledge our vulnerabilities. We often try to numb our feelings, but burying them only leads to more exhaustion.

Inviting God into Our Needs

Acknowledge your need for God. He is gentle and loving, ready to help you in your vulnerable moments.

Thanksgiving: Acknowledging God's Grace

Thanksgiving (Greek: eucharisteó) means acknowledging God's graces. To be thankful is to embody an understanding of the giver's character.

God is good, and everything good comes from Him. When we take the time to communicate with God, we begin to see His grace and goodness in our lives.

Destination: Peace

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all reason, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

What is your objective? Do you truly want to pursue peace? Sometimes, we become comfortable with anxiety. It can feel safer than stepping into the unknown of peace.

The Role of Peace

Peace is a powerful guard in our hearts and minds. It helps us discern truth from lies and navigate life's challenges with clarity.

Courage and Strength

Living in alignment with God brings forth courage and strength that may feel uncharacteristic. You will get through your circumstances without fear.

Community and Support

We each have unique journeys, but we are not alone. God created us for community. Seeking wise counsel is not a sign of failure; it is a wise choice.

Spend time with the Good Shepherd. Talk to Him, listen, and pay attention to His daily graces. Pursue God, and peace will accompany you on your journey.

"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth..."

— Ephesians 3:14-21

In this journey toward peace, let us remember that we are not alone. We can lean on God and each other as we navigate life's challenges.