DAY 4: Living in Peace

Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Peace is the antidote to anxiety.

Repeat that truth in your mind several times. Peace is the antidote to anxiety.

This point may seem elementary, but if you truly want to overcome financial anxiety, the real question to consider is “How do I obtain lasting peace amid my financial situation?” Note that the goal is not a “sense” of peace, which is typically temporary and rooted in fragile senses of emotion. The goal is lasting peace; something that runs deeper and is rooted is consistent, trustworthy, and powerful.

Philippians 4:7 gives you several points to lead you to lasting peace.

1. The peace is of God (4:7(a) “And the peace of God…”) Take note of the words “of God” (circle it, highlight, etc.). It means connected to our source. The peace of God implies that there is a type of peace exclusively connected to God, and as a result, comes directly from God. God is the giver, source, and sustainer of this peace. Thus, by definition, it is not a peace like the world may try to offer. Rather, we are dealing with something unique and powerful because it is directly connected to the character of an everlasting God. The peace that He offers you is then everlasting. Right as we begin to digest this point, Scripture speaks again.
2. The peace of God is inexplicable (4:7b “…which surpasses all understanding…”). Anxiety is often caused by the inability to explain or make sense of something (such as the financial situation you are facing). Well, imagine a peace so strong that it cannot be explained, rendering any potential anxiety powerless in your life! That is the peace of God. See how powerful this is! When you invite and experience the peace of God in your life, it will surpass all understanding and will not make sense yet is deeply real.
3. The peace of God serves as protection against anxiety (4:7c “…will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”). Our day-to-day worries tend to take us away from living in the present. The questions, concerns, doubts, and more that we continually recycle can overcome our minds to the point it impacts our daily lives. For example, it can lead us to not sleep, focus, or eat. It is in the mind where this takes root. Often, these unresolved anxieties then lead to the heart where we may find ourselves becoming bitter, angry, or losing faith. Anxiety can lead to very slippery slopes of the soul, and it is the peace of God (see points above) that serves as a guard against anxiety. Why? Because your source of peace is God, the One who created you, and the power goes so deep it defies logic. When that kind of peace enters your life, anxiety can’t find the space in your mind to dwell.

The only peace that can overcome anxiety is the everlasting peace of an all-powerful and loving God. For you to overcome the financial anxiety in your life, it will require the peace of God to take over. Take a moment to pray the following:

Dear God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace: According to Your Word, I know You love me, and will provide for those who seek You first, and I know You give peace beyond all understanding. I want that peace; I want Your peace. I surrender the cause of my financial anxieties to You so that I may be filled with Your everlasting peace. Only you can make anxiety powerless in my life. Make my peace indescribable as You work through this circumstance and in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.