| Doctors tell us that anxiety can cause both emotional and physical ailments. Fear
seems to come naturally, but it is the product of a sinful nature. God says,
‘‘Be anxious for nothing.’’ Does that mean we are to look at the world
through rose colored glasses? No, it means following God's plan of action. How do we
overcome fear? As soon as you feel anxiety taking over remember this: LOOK TO
GOD IN PRAYER
(vs 6) ‘‘with prayer and supplication, let your requests be made
known.’’
Requesting God’s help is committing the need to Him. The idea is to give the problem
to someone who can do something about it. A wise person once said, ‘‘Courage is
fear that has said its prayers.’’ Often we are anxious about things over which
we have no control. No matter how hard we worry, we cannot change them. To request
God’s help is to realize and admit that inability. Our Heavenly Father has complete
understanding of everything that touches our lives, and exactly what's needed to help in
time of trouble. How can we deal with anxiety any better than to turn it over to Him?
LOOK TO GOD WITH PRAISE
(vs 6) ‘‘with thanksgiving’’
Here is the manner in which we are to make our requests known. Certainly, we should not be
thankful for trouble, but rather in God's willingness to help during times of trouble. We
can rejoice because God, who can do something about the problems and needs we face, has
already given us His promise. In (Mt 7:7,8), Jesus said, ‘‘Ask and it shall be
given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.’’ God
has never broken a promise. All His promises are yea and amen (2 Cor 1:20), that is they
are absolutely certain. Our fear is overcome by confidence in His promises. God will never
let you down. His grace is sufficient. He always wants what’s best for His children.
To understand that truth is the key to confidence and thankfulness.
LOOK TO GOD FOR PEACE
(vs 7) ‘‘and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.’’
George Mueller said, ‘‘The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, but the
beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.’’ When we place our fears and
anxiety in God’s hands, and praise Him for His willingness and ability to help in
time of need, peace is the outcome. The peace of God is beyond human understanding. It
stands guard over our hearts and minds. As we experience God's peace, working in us, His
will, His love, and His power becomes increasingly evident as well. Jesus said,
‘‘My peace I give unto you.’’, (Jn 14:27). Let God have control, as
you look to Jesus, the channel of peace and grace.
Fear causes many difficulties in our lives. Only God can replace fear with peace. Trust
Him to do it. Look to Him in prayer, with praise, and for peace. God bless. |