Peace

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)


Worry. Anxiety. Sleepless nights. In 2011, anxiety disorders were the most common mental illness in the United States with 19.1 million people between the ages of 18-54 affected. That's 13% of our nation.* People worry over bills, homes, jobs,health, family and more. The Bible has a solution.


Philippians 4:6 says, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done." Paul puts it plainly. Don't worry. About anything. Worry isn't good for anyone. Instead of worrying, Paul says, "instead, pray about everything." Are you facing a crisis in your life? Paul says, pray about everything. Any situation your're facing, pray about it. If you have a need, pray about it. These verses came to life for me this week. I had some lab work done at my doctor's office late last week. This week, they called and said the doctor had to see me about my lab work, they found several things wrong. At first, fear and panic struck. I thought about my mom, who was seemingly well, but died just 4 short weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. It was around this same time of year. But then I prayed. When I visited the doctor, I was prepared and not worried about what he was going to tell me. Worry isn't good for you or I. Worry paralyzes our faith and our prayers. Instead of worrying, put things into the hands of Almighty God. What will He do for you? Verse 7 says, "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." You only experience the peace of God after you pray. You can't worry about your problem or situation and experience the peace of God at the same time. Look what the peace of God does for us. "His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Your hearts and minds will be guarded. You'll be able to stay focused on the reality, instead of your worry.


Jesus said, in John 14:26, "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." Jesus is leaving you a gift. It's a gift that can only come from Him, and no one or no where else. It's peace of mind and heart. He says, "So don't be troubled or afraid." Give your anxiety and cares to God. Pray, seek Him, and experience true peace. You will not find the true peace of God anywhere else. Think About It.


*Source http://www.healthyplace.com/anxiety-panic/articles/anxiety-disorders-statistics-and-facts/