Philippians 4:6–7

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Translation: ESV)

Explanation

This verse is not simply saying to just stop being anxious, that is not possible. 'If you're worried, don't be' is terrible advice. As we read the context, we see that this is about redirection and reframing our anxieties. The word for 'heart's is καρδία (kardia), it is the seat of emotion, and this scripture encourages a redirection of that emotion to the acknowledgment of God.

Inspiration

We should not ignore our emotions, but what might happen if we sit with them and submit them to prayer? They may not leave us, but they initiative a new level of intimacy with God as we invite him to hold us in our moments of anxiety.

Application for Today

  • Don't run from anxiety; embrace it and hold it - bring it into the presence of God and invite him to soothe you with his peace that surpasses all understanding.

Prayer

Lord,You are the God of peace. Would you overwhelm my anxiety and suffocate it with your presence now.In Jesus' name, Amen.

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