We all have opportunities to live anxious and worried about the future, wondering what's going to happen with our children, our finances, our health. There's always something trying to steal our peace. Some experts say so much stress and pressure is coming against our mental health today that we're living in an epidemic of anxiety. That's not the way we were created to live. You can't go around carrying everything, trying to solve it all, living in tomorrow, wondering, "What if my health doesn't improve? How can I fix this family problem? What if my business doesn't turn around?"
One antidote for anxiety is to give it to God. The Scripture says, "Cast all your anxieties on Him" (1 Peter 5:7). Anxiety is not going to just go away on its own. To cast a net means to forcefully swing your arms and body and release it. When anxiety attacks, you can’t be passive. When thoughts come, "Look at the inflation and bad economy. What if gas prices and food costs keep going up? What if you can't pay your bills?" cast off those thoughts and say, "No, thanks. My Father is my source. He will provide, just as He always has."
The apostle Paul says, "Be anxious for nothing" (Philippians 4:6). That's a bold statement that can sound unrealistic when you're looking at a bad medical report or facing a job layoff. However, Paul tells us how it can happen. “But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known unto God.” He was saying, "When anxiety attacks, don't try to defeat it on your own. Go to God and ask for His help." You have to pray with supplication, which means to lower yourself, to go in humility, admitting your dependence on Him. "God, I need You. I can't do this on my own. I'm depending on Your goodness, mercy, and favor." Paul adds that once you pray and cast it on God, you need to shift into a mindset of thanksgiving. No more worrying. Go to Him from a place of faith and thanksgiving, knowing that God is fighting your battles. He’s working out His plan for your life.
Then there comes the promise: "The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind." The peace of God is supernatural. It's peace when you're taking the medical treatment. It's peace when you're going through the breakup. It’s peace when you lose a loved one. It's peace when someone does you wrong. People will look at you and ask, "Aren't you anxious? How can you be so grateful and at peace?" Just tell them, "The peace I have didn't come from this world. It's from my Heavenly Father. It's peace that passes understanding."