“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7 (ESV). This is a great encouragement because it teaches us a practice that will lead us to freedom from anxiety and inner turmoil. If we make our requests to God, and trust him, then we will find peace for our souls. Our hearts and minds will find protection from the circumstances of life that steal our peace. And we cannot even understand this peace because it is supernatural. So by faith we live in the Kingdom of God, which transcends earthly knowledge, and we learn to dwell in supernatural harmony in Christ.
But, as you have probably discovered by now, we often cancel the power of this promise for peace by not leaving our anxiety with God and taking it back to ruminate on it and fall back into anxiety. We need to leave our burden with him. Scripture teaches: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). So we should not take back our anxieties, though it can take some time to do this with bigger fears. Be patient with yourself, but be persistent in leaving your cares with God. As you do this you will find freedom from anxiety and God’s peace for your soul.
Are you able to find freedom from anxiety about the issues in your life? How diligent have you been in casting all your cares on him? Are you persistent?
New Podcast! Looking for more of the peace, joy and fulfillment that comes from following Jesus? Follow/subscribe to my new podcast “Christ Formation: Practical Discipleship” on your favorite podcast app, including YouTube. Type my name “Phil Rehberg” then look for the title.
