Phil 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”
This is a very familiar Scripture verse and often quoted, but how many of us put it into daily practice? I must confess that sometimes I am guilty of failing to apply it to my own life in every circumstance. My husband and I are in the middle of an interstate move, and the details often overwhelm me. I need the daily reminders from God’s word to put everything in perspective—His perspective.
I was reminded that the words "Be anxious for nothing" is not a suggestion or option; it's a command. Each time an anxious thought enters our mind, we are by faith to turn it into a prayer request with thanksgiving for all God has done and will do in our circumstances. In every situation we face, we must commit it to the Lord in prayer. Take your doubts, fears, and anxious thoughts to the Lord. Many ask why we must pray when God already knows it. We must pray because God desires to show His power while teaching us to depend more on Him. We must learn to take everything to Him in prayer and trust Him in the process. "In everything" means committing “all” to the Lord, whatever the circumstance. It doesn't matter how many times a day we need to do it. I do it several times a day when my anxious thoughts overwhelm me.
When we obey, God promises His peace, His calming assurance, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. God’s peace will become like a guard (protection) over our hearts and minds, where spiritual warfare occurs. The enemy of our souls desires to steal our joy and peace, but as we turn to the Lord, He restores our joy, renews our strength, and gives us the grace to move forward in faith.