God Sees HerShembull

The Cure for Anxiety

TODAY’S READING: PHILIPPIANS 4:1–9

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6

We were excited about moving for my husband’s job. But the challenges left me feeling anxious. Thoughts of sorting and packing. Looking for a new house. My finding a new job. So unsettling! As I thought about my “to-do” list, words written by Paul echoed in my mind: Don’t worry, but pray (Philippians 4:6–7).

If anyone could have been anxious about unknowns and challenges, it would have been Paul. He was shipwrecked, beaten, and jailed. In Philippians, he encouraged his friends, who also were facing unknowns, telling them, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (v. 6).

Paul’s words encourage me. Life is not without uncertainties—life transitions, family issues, health scares, or financial trouble. I continue to learn that God cares. He invites us to let go of our fears of the unknown by giving them to Him. When we do, He, who knows all things, promises that His peace, “which transcends all understanding, will guard” our heart and mind in Christ Jesus (v. 7).

Karen Wolfe