Peace & Anxiety

~ by Linnette R Mullin, All Rights Reserved

"... do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

~ Phillipians 4:6-7

Though one of the most difficult commands to obey, the fruit of God's peace is one of the sweetest. I do experience it now and again. These verses have become a life line for me in many ways. The prayer that has fallen from my lips more often than any other the past year has been for His peace which passes understanding - that God would guard the hearts and minds of those I love while in the midst of their sufferings. My heart cries out for them and I strive to cast my anxiety for them on the Lord. 

It's not quite as easy to cast my personal anxiety on the Lord. I find myself waking with my stomach tied in knots. There's too much needing attending and too little of me to extend. I am beyond frustrated. I am anxious and fearful of failing those I love. I need this peace for myself. I need my heart and mind guarded from the evil one who threatens to undo me every day. I need a closer union with Jesus spoken of in John 15.

The Christian life is not an easy life, is it? Do you struggle with these issues? The day in and day out of sanctification is painful. I wonder if this peace that surpasses understanding is the only way we can truly grow and bear good fruit. The only way to keep from becoming bitter or fearful. Yes?