Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I mentioned a few days ago about a moment of panic and heaviness. It’s like something has a grip on my insides and is squeezing. It’s not enjoyable, but neither am I powerless. It might seem to simplistic to say I just need to pray about, but as you look at Philippians 4:6-7, that’s exactly the solution. But let’s look a bit closer.
It’s not just prayer, but it’s prayer and supplication. By adding ‘supplication,’ Paul increases the intensity of the prayer. It’s not just ho-hum prayer; it’s desperate prayer, essential prayer; ‘I need you, God!’ prayer.
It’s also with thanksgiving. Not just being thankful for the panic, fear, anxiety, or care. But being thankful for Jesus being with you in that moment, and being greater than what you are feeling and experiencing. Thankfulness is essential, because we focus more on our great God than on our anxieties.
Only as we take these actions of prayer and thankfulness do we have the security of God’s peace. It’s a choice to turn to Jesus, casting our anxieties on Him because of who He is.
A Prayer: Jesus, I am very thankful You know us, and are with us in everything we encounter today. Guard and keep us. May we live with boldness and freedom because of Your protective peace.