An Antidote Anxiety

Have you noticed that anxiety has no manners? Anxiety will barge in on your day unannounced. It will give its opinion even when it's not asked. It will stir up troublesome thoughts. It will bear false witness against you and your circumstances. Anxiety will try to hijack your plans with fear. Anxiety will try to limit and even isolate you against your will. It will fib and say there is no hope of overcoming these mind games. However, like all lies, that type of thinking comes from the pits of hell.

‌We have an antidote for anxiety: the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding. Paul told the church at Philippi about this antidote when he said, Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

‌Whether your anxiety is about people drama, poverty, panic, pressure, phobias, past mistakes, or everyday problems, God's peace is greater. The Philippian believers could relate to most of that list, plus persecution concerning their faith! No wonder Paul prescribed this powerful antidote for anxiety to the church.

‌According to Paul's directions, we need to become mindful about praying for "everything." This mindfulness means moving from "sometimes prayers" like before meals to a "constant conversation" with God throughout the day. Talk to God about your troubles and do it often. Equally important is to communicate with the Lord during your everyday responsibilities. God desires to bless and share with us; we just need to stop giving Him the leftovers of our time.

‌A part of this connection with God involves gratitude. One of the surefire ways to combat anxiety, depression, discouragement, fear, and stress is with thanksgiving. Remember, thankfulness is the enemy of negative thinking. As we let God know about our needs and focus on God's blessings, peace will sweep over our minds and hearts. See, if you have peace with God through His son Jesus Christ, you can take possession of the peace of God. So commit Paul's antidote (Philippians 4:6-7) for anxiety to memory and turn negative thoughts to peace that surpasses all understanding!