Living His WordSample

The Bible is not big on emotions like fear, worry, and anxiety. Typically, it counsels that we should refrain from having them. Typically, it commands that we should refrain from having them. “Do not fear” (Deuteronomy 31:6), “Do not worry” (Matthew 6:25), and today’s verse, “Do not be anxious,” are just three of many examples that could be cited. When you look up some dictionary definitions of “anxious” and see descriptions like “mental distress,” “greatly worried,” “painful suspense,” and “extreme uneasiness of mind,” you can see why the Bible takes its dim view of anxiety.

Who would want any of that? Being anxious is the exact opposite of an emotion the Bible often encourages: peace. In John 14:27, Jesus doesn’t say He’s going to the Father and leaving us with anxiety. Rather, He says He is leaving us with peace. Peace, one could legitimately conclude, is the standard operating emotion of a Christ-follower.

Anxiety, however, is not so easily avoided. Everyone, Christ-follower or not, has bouts of anxiety. In those situations that cause us anxiety Philippians 4:6 has a recommendation: the presenting of prayers and petitions to God. When anxiety strikes, the recommendation is to turn to God, not to the situation. When you do, then something good happens. The peace that transcends all understanding pacifies your troubled heart and mind. You may not understand how God can resolve your situation, but that’s why it’s called the peace that transcends understanding. You’ve given the problem to God, you’ve “cast your cares” (I Peter 5:7), and it is up to Him to figure out how things should be handled.

Don’t forget the thanksgiving part of the recommendation. Our prayers and petitions should be accompanied with thanksgiving. After all, if we’re not thankful for the many things God has already given us, why would we expect He will give us even more?