I hadn’t seen him in years. He called my name and walked over to me at the grocery store. After some small talk, I asked how he was doing. He said, “Last year I was dying,” and went on to explain that stress had nearly killed him. His heart and body had been breaking down due to his workaholic ways and an anxious mind. But then, someone invited him to a Bible study. In time, he found peace in Jesus. And today, his heart and body have returned to a healthy state.
Just before we parted, as people swirled around us, I shared these inspired words from the book of Philippians with my friend: “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Those words from Paul have brought peace to my heart and mind many times. In them we find two key reasons not to give in to the withering effects of worry and anxiety:
• We can pray to God who loves us and cares for us (Philippians 4:6). When we take the focus off ourselves, our work, our struggles, our pain, and draw close to Him in prayer, He brings joy to our hearts and a renewed focus on His presence.
• We find that trust in God leads to real peace (Philippians 4:7). His peace will “guard [our] hearts and minds,” but only if we leave behind the faltering foundation we’ve tried to construct and rest in Jesus’ power and provision alone.
After I had shared the verses with my friend, he thanked me and walked away with a smile on his face. Leave your cares with Jesus. “Then the God of peace will be with you” as well (Philippians 4:9).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 2:41–3:11
More:
As you read Isaiah 26:3, see what the prophet says is required to keep us in God’s perfect peace.
Next:
What has caused you to feel anxious or worried recently? How will you apply Paul’s words in Philippians 4 as you seek peace in Jesus?
bearpair on October 9, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Thanks, Tom, for the reminder of our only Source of true peace! Terry & Pat
OnMyWayHome on October 9, 2011 at 11:24 pm
That is my favorite verse.
I suffer from panic attacks and its my major weakness.
Thank you
tom felten on October 10, 2011 at 1:45 pm
OnMyWayHome, Philippians 4:4-9 is also one of my favorites passages of Scripture. I’m praying for you today that the panic attacks will not come. And if they do, I pray that God will give you deep peace and hope so that the cycle of worry-attacks-worry-attacks will be ended. “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you” (Psalm 55:22).
koinonia on January 17, 2012 at 6:38 am
I too suffer from depression and panic attacks. I take medicines for the same. I feel like, if there is any way out of this?. I read bible and pray still i have the problems. My doctor adviced me to take medicines for a long period and it will subside. If i stop taking medicine my BP shoots up at times.
I know that GOD only can give me a cure. But i dont know when and how. Please tell me if there is any way out.
alli on October 10, 2011 at 3:30 pm
i have a heart condition which has developed due to stressful living situations. thanks
OnMyWayHome on October 11, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Thank you very much Tom
It does make a difference