Breathe: A 6-Day Plan to Transform Chaos to CalmSample

Day 6: Whatever Is True

“Be anxious for nothing,” the apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 BSB). Although well-meaning, this verse if often given out as a shortcut to instant peace.

A fly-by reading of this verse, however, places guilt and discouragement on believers, as if anxiety can be waved away with a magic wand. It’s like telling ourselves, If you’re anxious, just stop!

A deeper look at this power promise, however, shows that Paul isn’t suggesting believers should ignore anxiety but rather respond to it. We can go to God for help, thanking our Savior and Creator even amid our troubles, trusting that He will answer us.

Practice Peace

But the advice doesn’t end there! In the following verses, Paul encourages believers to practice peace as we wait for God’s provision:

“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:7-9).

Think on these things. Put this into practice.

Experiencing God’s peace isn’t about sitting around, passively receiving. You can “pray and petition” using a Breath Prayer to engage your heart. You can think on “whatever is true,” and reflect on God’s truth from the Scripture to engage your mind.

When we encounter stress and wait for the anxious situation, problem, or answers to unfold, God wants us to create and develop new rhythms to experience the peace that will calm our anxious thoughts and emotions. Remember that the ideas and principles on mindfulness, meditation, and self-care our culture offers originate from God.

As people of faith, we practice stress relief to be more fully mindful of God’s loving presence, because He is our loving Creator who gives, renews, and sustains the breath of life in you and me.

Scriptures for Day 6:

John 14:23-27

John 16:33

Colossians 3:15-17

Continue your soul care journey with Bonnie Gray and learn to stress less and spark God’s peace and joy more deeply in daily life. Learn more about Bonnie Gray’s book, Breathe, here.