The Way to Peace - Leaving Anxiety Behind

Reflection Question: Write your answers. What are some things that are causing anxiety now and as you look forward to the holidays?

What does this anxiety feel like?

What I do not want this morning is for us to think that a one hour message is going to make your anxiety or the situations that are causing to magically disappear.

The complexity and depth of the topic anxiety can be overwhelming! There’s a lot of good teaching out there in this topic. There’s also a lot of boloney! Knowing the difference requires discernment. This morning, I want us to attempt to bring the topic of dealing with anxiety and finding peace out of the fog a little by setting it firmly on the ground of pure scripture.

I am not a licensed psychiatrist, counselor or physician. What we are talking about this morning  is not intended to be a substitute for any treatment your healthcare professional is giving you. Do not stop any medication or mental health care without the consent and knowledge of your doctors. You are responsible for your healthcare and your own choices. This is also not a comprehensive study of anxiety. It is one small, but true and vital, part.

Of all the things the world has to offer for handling anxiety and experiencing peace, the least we can do is know what God says to do, and be doing it.

Before Paul goes into some instruction about anxiety, He wants us to be super clear about thing important 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

The “Lord is near”

PEACE

My favorite sources for looking up words in Hebrew and Greek are biblehib.com and Blue Letter Bible. Using these resource the word for peace in the New Testament is:

eirénéPart of Speech: Noun, FeminineTransliteration: eirénéPhonetic Spelling: (i-ray'-nay)from eirō: To join, tie together into a whole. – wholeness. When all essential parts are joined together we have peace. God’s gift of wholeness.

Peace is when we are whole. Nothing is missing or falling off. No parts are divided or torn. We are fully present. Our emotions, thoughts and decisions are all moving in the same direction at the same speed because we are in Christ Jesus. This is the essence of the Hebrew concept of Shalom. It’s being in alignment with Jesus. When we are whole, in alignment with Jesus, we are 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

Even if we were given the whole world, understanding, knowledge, and perfect circumstances; this kind of peace would be impossible because this is true peace that comes from being made whole. That is something only God can do. It’s a heavenly gift that we must receive God’s way.

Today I want to look into receiving God’s peace, God’s way, in the context of Christian living, by diving into 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

ANXIOUS

When I go to the site and look up Philippians 4:6, I click on the word, "anxious" in this verse, this is what comes up.

merimnaó:

Part of Speech: Verb

Transliteration: merimnaó

from 3308 /mérimna : A part, as opposed to the whole. Drawn in opposite directions. Divided into parts. “To be go to pieces”.

We can experience Mérimna for positive and negative reasons.

When it comes from something positive, it’s used to describe distributing your concern in relation to the whole picture (cf. 1 Cor 12:25; Phil 2:20). For example, you might experience this when someone you love is away from you on a long journey. Part of your heart and thoughts are with them, and for them. You feel divided because you care for them. As a mother, I feel this any time my kids are somewhere else for the night. Whether it’s at youth camp or a friend’s house, part of my heart is divided because part of me is with them.

Conversely, however, Mérimna can be negative. It means I am “going to pieces" because I feel like I’m being pulled apart in different directions.

Oxford and Cambridge Dictionaries define the phrase, “go to pieces”as:

-Become so nervous or upset that one is unable to behave or perform normally

-To become unable to think clearly and control your emotions because of something unpleasant or difficult that you have experienced

Can you see how these states of being are opposed to peace? Interestingly, whether the cause is positive or negative, our response should be the same. We will get to that in a minute.

Marinate

The first thing I notice when I try to say this word out loud is that it sounds a lot like the word "marinate". I grew up in Oklahoma, cattle country. Those were the best steaks I have ever eaten.  Some of the best meat I've tasted are those that have been marinated. When the meat has been smothered in a wonderful blend of fresh, aromatic spices and allowed to marinate for a long time, the flavors of the marinade saturate the meat and alter and enhance the taste.

Thought Tornado

Thoughts have the same effect on our lives. Whatever we allow our thoughts to marinate on, whether positive and true, or negative and deceptive, they affect our lives. I don't know about you, but when I am settled in the 'land of anxious thinking' my thoughts tend to swirl around the source of my anxiety. I call it a Thought Tornado (Oklahoma kid).  I think about what could happen, or would have happened. I think about various scenarios of how things would have changed if I had said or did something differently. I allow myself to think forward and consider all the possible outcomes, the worst and the best.

Allowing my thoughts to swirl out of control like this leads me to dangerous places in my heart and mind. I am allowing my thoughts to marinate in negativity, supposition and sometimes outright lies. This lack of control over thoughts leads to confusion, indecision, hesitancy, and fear. These kinds of thoughts seep into our bodies and they affect our lives.

Have you ever experienced this kind of pattern? It can feel like you're being pulled apart on the inside.

You think you want to go one way, and you find yourself going another way.

You want to sleep, but you find yourself awake through the night in the swirl of your thoughts. You don’t want to do something, and you end up doing it anyway.

You want to do something and you can’t bring yourself take the first step.

You argue with yourself…

You are divided.

When something that’s meant to be whole is being torn apart, it hurts.

You were’t created to be divided. You were created and redeemed to be whole. Your thoughts were not intended to have the power to swirl out of control and lead you astray. He hasn’t left you powerless and He doesn’t leave you to marinate in your anxious thoughts.

Jesus came to "set us free" John 8:36

He already paid the ransom price for our freedom.  But, we have to trust Him enough to follow His lead out of anxiety and into peace.

Thankfully, He does’t just tell us, to “stop it”, or simply “don’t be anxious”.  God knew this truth that Aristotle stated so well,

Nature Abhors a vacuum” -Aristotle

You can’t get rid of anxious thoughts and emotions, and expect them to stay away unless we fill the gap with thoughts about something else; the mind of Christ. In the very next verse we read,

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

Philippians 4:8

But first, let’s make 2 observations from this first phrase.

CONTROL

Here is the key verse again.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything

Everything. Every situation, circumstance, relationship, conversation…

I am terrible at playing sports that require handling a ball. I much prefer a pencil or paint brush in my hand =) One sport I do enjoy is downhill skiing. Since taking a few lessons many years ago, I have been able to truly enjoy skiing with my husband. But, he is still a better skier than I am, by far!

One time, he confidently led me to a peak that was steeper and bumpier than I was comfortable with. But, once I was at the top, I had no control over my path. I couldn’t change the circumstance, or the path I had to take. The only way off the mountain was to go down. I had to find a way. I did have control over how I would traverse the bumps and steep angles of the run. I went slowly, maneuvering my skis back and forth and carefully avoiding moguls. Then, I took my skis off, and rode them down like a sled!

There are so many circumstances we do not have control over. That reality can make us feel uneasy. But, allowing our uneasiness to direct our thoughts, and marinate on all the potential hazards on the path ahead is not helpful, at all. Our minds so easily become clouded between options and scenarios that are both real and imaginary. We become indecisive because we aren't clear about what can be done, what needs to be done, and the best way to do it.

We have to get clear about what we do not have control over,

and what we do have control over.

You do not have control over everything. You do have control over many things. Make an actual list if that would help! Knowing and acting on that difference, can make all the difference in how you go through a circumstance, with peace or anxiety. And the best part of this process is realizing that releasing our grip on control does not actually cause our lives to spin into chaos. It allows us to rest in the confidence that God is in control.

So what do we have control over?

NOTHING AND EVERYTHING

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything"

In one sentence the words "everything" and "nothing" creates a huge contrast. This tells me that it is possible to be anxious about everything! But it is also possible to be anxious about nothing. Or at least, we don’t have to stay anxious about anything.

Here's your first step in your journey to freedom from anxiety and toward peace...

In everything - every... morning - night - decision - conversation - confusion - concern - struggle - fun time - sad time - slow time - busy time - spending time - saving time ... You can look this one up in the Greek. But it's pretty straight-forward.

e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g

PRAY

proseuché:

Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine

Phonetic Spelling: (pros-yoo-khay')

From prós, "towards, exchange" and euxomai, "a wish, prayer"

– to look towards someone and exchange wishes;

Prayer is literally a conversation in which two individuals talk to each other and exchange wishes.

Conversations with People

Can you imagine this kind of conversation happening in the context of a very close relationship? I have these kinds of conversations with my husband. They can happen in a brief passing moment when we communicate with one another about how we expect the day will go and what we need. They also happen on dates. These are more intimate conversations that happen when we intentionally go somewhere just so that we can be together, without interruptions and talk on a deeper level. I look forward to these precious times with my husband.

Conversations with God

This is what God wants with us too. He wants us to set our mind and heart towards Him and talk about what is coming in the day, and what we need. Set aside specific times to block out interruptions and talk more deeply with Him. Be authentic, He knows your heart anyway. You can be honest with Him. Discuss your life. Tell Him your hopes and dreams, the big ones and the small ones. Listen to what He is anticipating in the day and His hopes and dreams for you.

Include God in Your Conversations

From the minute you wake up, or at least have a few sips of coffee, there is a train of thought, words, going through your head. Why not direct those thoughts to the Spirit of God? It takes practice, but the more you intentionally direct your inner dialogue to the Lord, the more natural and instinctive it becomes. And you find yourself going through your day, praying.

No Declarations of Independence

Independence in this realm of relating to God is not valuable or honorable. It is only a heavy burden you were never created to bear. And holding onto it is hurting you. It is tearing you up inside, making you anxious. When we can release our grip on the false notion that we are in control, and hold onto God’s Words instead, we will be more aligned with the truth. And this truth will compel us to talk to God about everything. This is one area you do have control over in your life. Be a person who talks to God.

Pray at all times on every occasion, in every season.

Ephesians 6:18

Explain to God everything that is on your mind.

Why Is It Hard?

It is so simple. But it isn't necessarily easy. One reason is that developing new rhythms in any part of life requires consistency, and consistency is hard. But, you can choose. You do have control over this choice.

You can choose to do the hard work and take control of this area of your life. Fight for a deep and consistent prayer life and leverage the power of prayer to walk in peace.

-OR-

You can choose to do the hard work of living without the power of prayer in your life. You will fight your anxiety on your own, independent of God.

God does not force His gifts on people. He offers them. Prayer is a gift. Will you choose to accept it? Don't settle in the land of anxiety, divided and arguing with yourself about what path to take. Set your heart and mind in the direction of the Good Shepherd. Listen. Talk. Follow.

Over the past two decades, I have followed a monthly prayer plan that has been so simple and sustainable, Spirit-led, and Scripture-filled. It truly makes consistency easy! Check out my book on Amazon, Strategic Prayer, Harnessing the Power of Prayer for Victories Tomorrow. You can also get the Strategic Prayer Journal to go along with it. Or, you can go to my Resources page to download free journal pages designed for a 3-ring binder.

SUPPLICATION

“By prayer and supplication”

There is a reason Paul uses both of these words in this exhortation. He isn’t just being redundant for the sake of emphasis. This is a different word.

deésis:

Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine

Transliteration: deésis

Phonetic Spelling: (deh'-ay-sis)

Heart-felt petition arising from awareness of a deep, personal and urgent need.

So while prayer is more the constant conversation we have with the Lord, supplication happens more when life gets hard in a way that hurts. We face situations that put a spotlight on what we lack, and on our inadequacy. We realize how needy we are; and we don’t like feeling needy. I want to feel self-sufficient; that makes me feel strong and in control. Feeling needy makes me feel vulnerable, and maybe fearful.

Emotions Take Work - Resist Numbing

Theres a lot of feelings, emotions, connected with the situations that prompt supplication. Emotions take work and energy to feel and hold. They’re not always pleasant. It can be exhausting! And sometimes, we just don’t want to feel them anymore. We all have ways of numbing our emotions from time to time. We plug the ears of my heart and try to pretend like the truth isn't there. We keep the calendar full and the TV on. And just to be sure we don't have to face any uncomfortable silence we keep our phones with us all the time. When someone genuinely asks how we’re doing, we paste on the grin and say “I’m fine”. But, carrying our emotions, unacknowledged, unfelt and buried is far more exhausting than facing the truth. You can tune out the truth, but truth doesn't change. You can try to bury it, but truth doesn’t stay buried forever.

Let God Help You

We are needy and it hurts. God created us to need Him and one another.  He is sufficient to meet all our needs. It's safe to be vulnerable with God. He won't harm or shame you. He loves you and will be gentle with your tender, needy heart. Don't be afraid to be quiet and still with the Good Shepherd. Bring your pain, your emotions and your neediness to Him. Acknowledge how much you need God.  This is the open door He needs in order to be invited into your deep places and begin to shed His light on them; to heal you and take care of you.

So far we have talked about what anxiety and peace are according to the Bible, in this verse. We have wrestled with the uncomfortable truth that we are not in control of many things in life. We have also acknowledged that there are things we are in control of. Two of these are our rhythm and use of prayer and supplication to God. There is still one more tool in this verse that we can add to the list of things we do have control over; things we can do to set ourselves perpetually on the path to peace and leave anxiety behind.

THANKSGIVING

eucharisteó:

Part of Speech: Verb

Transliteration: eucharisteó

Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-khar-is-teh'-o)

Definition: 2168  euxaristéō (from 2095 /eú, "good" and 5485/xaris, "grace")

–acknowledging God's graces, and that they work well.

Humans are so good at being one way on the inside and acting a different way on the outside. God isn't like that.

What God does is completely in alignment with who He is.

Everything Good to Everyone

God is the originator and epitome of goodness and grace. Everything in the world that is good is from Him, because He is good. The idea of grace is this; God, leaning in, coming close to us with favor and blessing. He does this constantly, all over the world, whether people acknowledge Him, or not.

It's who He is; so, it's what He does.

Be Thankful

To say "thank you" is to acknowledge a gift. It is good to say thank you. But, to be thankful is to embody an understanding of the character of the giver. To be thankful to God is to acknowledge His gifts and to glorify His character. His gifts are good and abundant with grace because He is good and abundant with grace. But, do you see it in your life?

“The Joshua Tree story tells of a young Robin Williams who receives a Tree Identifying book (one of those books that shows a picture of the tree and its description), when she looks through it she finds a very strange looking tree called the Joshua Tree. Convinced she had never seen such a tree before, she set out in search of the Joshua Tree. Lo and behold, in Robins own front yard stood the strange-looking Joshua Tree. Knowing what to look for, she walked her street and found that most every yard housed that tree. The moral of the story is this : Although you may not have noticed before, once you know what you're looking for, you will likely find it has been there the entire time.”

Learning to See

He is leaning in to where you are with goodness and grace. When you take the time to talk with God often, and ask Him to meet your needs, you can finally enter the mental and emotional space where you can get to know the character of God. As you get to know Him, you will learn to love Him. You will see more and more of His grace and goodness.  And He will slowly take you from one who gives thanks, to one who is thankful.

DESTINATION PEACE

“And the Peace of God which surpasses all reason will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”

What is the Objective?

We used to have a dashboard GPS. We named her Gwenevere. She got all over France and other parts of Europe when we lived there. Now I use my phone with a voice that sounds like a woman from Ireland. I call her Irene. Irene gives me directions all over the place. She is accurate and has saved me hours of wandering. But, she is only as effective as the specificity of my destination. Wanting to leave where I am isn’t good enough. I have to know where I want to go. If I don't know where I want to go, she will never be able to tell me how to get there.

What is Your Objective?

Where do you want to go? Do you really want to be on a path that is marked by, and headed for, peace? Sometimes I wonder if we’re actually okay with anxiety as a companion. Yeah, it’s annoying and keeps you from living as fully as you want, but it's comfortable enough. It keeps me safe, right? It gives me an, "out" for not doing things I don't really want to do. It gives me an excuse to numb my emotions or to explain away moments when I lack self-control.

Is Peace Trustworthy?

Maybe some of this rings true for you, maybe none of it does. But the choice remains. Where do you want to go? Do you really want peace? Are you ready to leave anxiety behind? Will God’s peace comfort you as well as anxiety does? Will it protect you as well as anxiety has? Can you trust peace?

Can peace do as good a job as anxiety as keeping you safe?

What will peace do for you?

ON GUARD

Candice

My niece is an amazing person is so many ways. For all her wit and knowledge, she is also extremely strong. You wouldn't guess it just by looking at her though. She is petite and beautiful, but don't be deceived. This girl is a powerhouse! Champion Sumo wrestler and former Jui Juitsu instructor she can kick-box, wrestle and take most people down swiftly. Now, she is an officer of the law. She took an oath to defend the law and protect the citizens of her city. She is an excellent officer. If I ever needed someone to help protect or guard me, it would be an honor to have her at my side as a body-guard.

Guard

phroureó: Part of Speech: Verb

Transliteration: phroureó

Phonetic Spelling: (froo-reh'-o)

Usage: I guard, keep, as by a military guard.

5432 phrouréō (from phrousos, "a sentinel, guard") –to guard (keep watch) like a military sentinel; (figuratively) to actively display whatever defensive and offensive means are necessary to guard.

The Personality of Peace

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have someone super-discerning and super-strong be your constant guard? This is the role that peace plays in our hearts and minds. Yes, peace is graceful and beautiful. The poise and demeanor of peace doesn't put people on the defense with fear and trembling at its strength. It isn't showy or outright impressive. People with Peace are approachable by others seeking peace.

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God.

Matthew 5:9

The Power of Peace

No amount of world human understanding can compete with the strength of God’s peace to guard us. When we choose to marinate our lives with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving; peace becomes our constant companion. It puts us right in step, in alignment with the Good Shepherd, following His direction and His pace. It guards our minds from lies that want to infiltrate our thoughts and take control of our imaginations and decisions. It guards our hearts from fears and affections that would deceive us, and leave us paralyzed and crippled, unable to live the abundant lives God created us for. Don't underestimate the power of peace.

Joy and Peace

With the strength that joy gives and the confidence that peace gives, we can follow Jesus anywhere. We are free.

There is so much of life and circumstances that we can’t control. But, who is calling the shots in your heart, mind and in your life?

"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts."

Colossians 3:15

Who is in the Lead?

If the enemy is taking the lead, he will use anxiety as his means of yanking you around, trying to control your life. If Jesus is in the Lead, He will use peace as His means of protecting you. Peace will help you discern what is true from what is false. It will help you acknowledge the realities of your life, and traverse them well, with a clear mind, and a calm heart.

A Strong and Courageous Women

The result of living life like this is courage that springs from deep within you, and strength that is uncharacteristic of you. This courage and strength will be what gets you through all the circumstances that are beyond your control. You will get through them. You don't have to be afraid.

NOT ALONE

We each have our own journeys to traverse. Each are unique in some ways. But we are not so different as we may feel. At their base, our struggles are the same, they just look different. And the principles God has given us for living well apply equally to all of us. They work because they are true.

You do not have to be alone on your journey. There is nothing strong or honorable about living in isolation. God created us to live our lives in community; where we can be part of a group of other people, traveling the journey of life together, encouraging and helping each other.

Sometimes, we need a little extra help. There have been seasons in my life when I needed to seek wise counsel through a caring and trusted friend, through a professional counselor, or through a coach. Each has been faithful to help me get back on track or stay on track, living God's way in my specific situation. The Bible tells us to seek wise counsel. Asking for help is not a mark of failure or shame. That is what the enemy wants you to believe to keep you in isolation. Seeking wise counsel is wise!

Spend time with the Good Shepherd. Talk to Him. Listen. Pay attention to His daily graces and tell Him “Thank you”. Pursue God, and peace will be there too, as a faithful guard, accompanying you all the way home.

"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.

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources

he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.

Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should,

how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

May you experience the love of Christ,

though it is too great to understand fully.

Then you will be made complete

with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power

at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus

through all generations forever and ever!

Amen."

Ephesians 3:14-21