One-minute read.
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer, God’s prescription for anxiety, turns our concerns into conversations with the Lord that bring us peace. When we identify and talk to the Lord about the things weighing down our hearts, we discover answers we can find no other way. First, thanking God for His blessings immediately focuses our attention on what we do have. Then, as we give Him our requests, we have confidence that the Creator has the answers we seek and will take care of the problem. Releasing our cares, we can accept God’s peace, which guards our hearts and minds.
When Ron and I spent two hours on the side of I-95, watching cars race past us as we waited for help to arrive, I prayed. Instead of letting the anxiety that wanted to overtake me have control, I focused on Paul’s words to the Philippians. As I began thanking the Lord for His protection, I found more and more things to add to the list. My heart found peace as I gave my concerns to God, waiting and trusting until He got us back on the road.
We have a choice when life gives us flat tires; we can fret or pray. Sometimes, people don’t choose to return to the road, even after a new tire. Staying stuck in the moment, they don’t want to continue on the journey, fearful of what else could happen. Trusting the Lord means acknowledging flat tires will happen, but God will help us fix them and get us back on the road, leading us to our eternal home, one day at a time.
Application:
God gives us peace when we give Him our anxiety.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for answering our prayers and giving us Your peace. When we get flat tires, help us remain calm, access Your help, and live in Your peace. Get us back on the road, don’t let us get stuck in our anxiety, and help us honor and serve You well as we trust You.
IJNIP. Amen
