Practicing peace
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. –Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
You can’t turn more than two or three pages in Scripture without somebody telling somebody not to be afraid, not to worry, not to be anxious, not to fear. Whether it’s God speaking directly, an angel, a prophet, one of the New Testament writers, or Jesus Himself, the message is very consistent. Why is this admonition repeated so frequently? You might say anxiety is in our DNA.
The instinct to detect perceived threats and overreact to them is a human response that has helped us survive for thousands of generations. That’s not to say the problems we face aren’t real, or that all threats are a figment of our imagination. The issue arises when we become fixated on the problems. When I am too close to my problem, it becomes so big, so monstrous, so insurmountable that I am consumed by it.
Concern becomes worry becomes anxiety becomes fear becomes paralysis. At some point, I’m no longer dealing with the problem, but with the bogeyman I have made of the problem, anticipating (and in some cases causing) my imagined worst-case outcome. The good news is we can train our brains. Let’s walk through these words of Paul for some deeper insight.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“In every situation, by prayer and petition…” God is bigger than our situation – any situation. He can handle our anger, our disappointment, our feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, abandonment, and being overwhelmed.
“With thanksgiving, present your requests…” Even if that imagined worst-case scenario were to unfold, we’d still have things to be grateful for. God’s track record of faithfulness is long and strong. Confidence in our future is reasonable.
“The peace of God…” This isn’t something we conjure up from our own imagination or creation. It comes from above.
“Which transcends all understanding…” We won’t even comprehend exactly how or when our situation became manageable again. We’ll just look up and notice that it has.
“Will guard your hearts and minds…” Upward-focused thoughts and emotions are able to see problems and challenges from a safer vantage point and a much more realistic perspective.
“In Christ Jesus.” Nothing will ever separate us from His love. What problem can we not face?
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 or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. –Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble…” There is a bigger, better reality going on that transcends the obstacles we currently face. We can choose that bigger, better picture.
“Whatever you have learned from me…” There are others on this road, some of whom have faced challenges very similar to ours. Seek them out. We don’t have to walk alone.
“Put it into practice.” There isn’t a switch we flip or a potion we drink to instantly become less anxious. But improvement is not only possible, it’s certain if we draw near to Him.
“The God of peace…” He isn’t a God of chaos. He isn’t a God of conflict. He’s a big God and He is able.
“Will be with you.” Walk with Him. The peace of God comes from the God of peace.
“Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.” –19th-century British minister Alexander Maclaren