It is so easy to say don’t worry when life is good and everything is going well. But we can all experience those times when problems appear and soon we can start to feel overwhelmed. Scripture tells us, ‘do not be anxious about anything,’ because the Lord knows that it is our tendency to fret about those things that are out of our control. The Scripture doesn’t end there, though, we are told how we can be released from fear and undue anxiety – to bring everything, and everyone, to God in prayer.
Do Not be Anxious About Anything Verse
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. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 Meaning
Do not be anxious about anything are closing words of encouragement from the apostle Paul to the believers in Philippi. This section of his letter begins with a reminder to rejoice in the Lord always and ends with an affirmation of the peace of God that is available to us as a present reality.
The peace of God is the opposite of anxiety and comes with the release of our cares and worries in prayer to Him. It is an inner tranquillity, a peace of mind regardless of external circumstances, at times it is supernatural and beyond our understanding. The peace that descends even in the middle of extreme difficulties, and which can only come from giving everything to God – and leaving it with Him.
Thanksgiving is key in opposing worry and anxiety. A thankful and grateful heart focuses our thoughts on the goodness of God. As we make Him the centre and meditate on God’s love and faithfulness to us rather than on our troubles and concerns, a change occurs. Our problems seem smaller in the light of God’s grace.
Related Post: Fix your thoughts on what is true
Scriptures for Anxiety Attacks
Do not be anxious about anything is rooted in the goodness of God. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of the basis of our faith, that God’s love for us endures forever. God is able to deal with all of our problems, and cares, they are not too difficult for Him. He is able to do far more than we can ever ask or imagine – even by His power working within us. God shapes and changes us to overcome the troubles that we will face in this world, to become the victor and not the victim.
God’s promise to us is not that we will always live a peaceful life, but that we can walk through life full of peace in Christ Jesus.
Tweet
Do not be anxious about anything is a plea to trust in the Lord, that He is our faithful help, and strength, through every difficult circumstance. Whatever situation we are in, we are not alone for God promises to never leave us. When we focus our thoughts on the goodness of God and strengthen ourselves with the truth of His word, His peace descends!
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things….. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
What did Jesus say About Worry and Anxiety?
Jesus tells us not to worry – because He knows that so often that is our default setting! We live in a world of uncertainty and throughout time people have worried over those things that are beyond their control. We all want to be ‘like God,’ but our control is an illusion and a lie. Jesus encourages us to pray and to trust in God, to be God, that He is in control. From a position of trust we can let go and release our worries to Him who promises to be our strength and sufficiency.
Worry and anxiety are burdens we don’t need to carry, and distractions that separate us from the peace of God. They are insidious and creep into the forefront of our thoughts, where they can grow and multiply – if we let them!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34
Do Not Be Anxious About Anything Instead Pray About Everything
I once heard a Preacher say that ‘worry is a lack of prayer.’ Although I understood what he meant, I didn’t entirely agree – it is not always as simple as that. There was a time when I went through a period of stress and anxiety for my family – with good reason. Things had happened which were worrying, but my concern began to consume my waking and sleeping hours. I began to feel stressed, expecting the ‘worst’ to happen at any moment, because things were out of my control.
But during that time, I didn’t pray less, I prayed more. While traveling to and from work, and in my lunch break, I prayed. Even at night while lying in bed and trying to get to sleep, I was praying. I prayed all the time – demanding and imploring God to intervene and to fix things. But I prayed out of anxiety that I couldn’t cope with the way things were and with fear for the future of those that I loved.
In our persevering and persisting in prayer there also needs to be an element of yielding. Even if the ‘worst’ does happen, in the darkness we find the presence of God, He is there with us. There comes a time to let go of the outcome of our prayers, to know that God has got the situation in hand, and receive His peace.
I found that slowly as I gave my concerns to God, and let go of the outcome, I was released from fear. Sometimes we need to accept that we don’t have the answers, but God does! This was a process of growing in trust, through difficult times we can receive the supernatural peace of God. Peace of mind is possible in daily life whatever the circumstances.
God is able to carry our cares and we can live in the freedom of the spacious place free from anxiety! Do not worry about anything, and pray about everything, from a position of faith, believing that the Lord will take the weight of our problems. God has got this, He is the One who is in control.
Come to me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Prayer to Stop Worrying
Just being told to stop worrying is not going to make it happen if that is our tendency. Worry can creep up on us almost while we are unaware and start to take hold of our thoughts. But there is a guard for our minds, the knowledge of God’s love. The peace of being reconciled with God and knowing that we are accepted, loved, and cherished by Him is our protection. We can bring our worries and anxieties to God in prayer and let go and let God have His way in our life.
Thank you, Lord, that You are my provider and protector. You are my refuge and place of safety – I can trust in Your unfailing love. You make the way, in Your perfect timing, for Your plans and purposes to be fulfilled in my life. Help me today, to let go of my fears, and to receive Your peace. Amen.
Short Prayer for Anxiety
Thank you, Lord, that there is nothing that can separate me from Your love. Help me, to be more self-aware of those things that threaten to steal my peace, so that I can give them to You with the assurance that You will provide all the strength that I need, every day. Amen.
Very encouraging! Thanks for sharing.