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. [Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV]
You've probably heard that the answer to anxiety is prayer. Like me, you have probably prayed and remained anxious. You then dismiss the "prayer" advice as a rote, pat answer. You would be half right. The answer is prayer, but the language of this passage indicates prayer with a certain attitude.
I am a firm believer that prayer is meant to be a conversation with God. I love to spend time with God in a relaxed, casual conversation. It has been during these times that I have received some of the most profound revelations about myself and my relationship with God.
But, when circumstances cause you to become anxious, a casual conversation, or a quick mention of your needs may not settle your mind.
"Supplication" means more than simply making a request. It means that you are coming from a place of total destitution and indigence. When you have nothing, then everything that you have is from God. It requires humility in God's presence, and knowing that whatever spiritual gains you have made in the past are meaningless in the here and now. Everything is of God.
When you are able to surrender completely to God, then you will be in a place to receive His peace.
His peace is beyond understanding. Your circumstances may not have changed; it has nothing to do with your own feelings. His peace is supernatural.
The peace of God will guard your heart and mind. Consider a city under siege. The invading army surrounds the city. The situation is dire. But you have a strong army defending your city. As long as that army is there, the enemy cannot get in. Consider, also, some the inhabitants of that city. They see the invading horde and, full of fear and anxiety, want to flee the city. The army that defends the city also keeps the inhabitants from fleeing in fear.
The peace of God is like the defending army. It will protect your mind and emotions from the circumstances that besiege you. Is your mind racing out of control? The peace of God will arrest it, and calm you.
How? Start by acknowledging that you have nothing to bring to the table. If the peace of God eludes you, then it may be that you are not destitute before God. Ask yourself, "What am I holding on to?" Be willing to accept the answer, and be willing to let it go. You have to realize that you have no strength or capacity to find supernatural peace on your own.
Sometimes we allow anxiety to distract us, keeping us from prayer - the very thing we need to be doing. Don't let your anxious mind keep you from prayer.
Lord God, I confess that I have nothing to offer You. I rely completely on Your grace. Lord, when I see my circumstances, I become anxious, and Your peace eludes me. So I beseech You, Lord, as a destitute beggar, that you will meet my needs. I place my trust in You, and I give You thanks for Your mercy and bounty.
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