Philippians 4:4-9Sample

Anxiety's Antidote

Today's verses are regularly quoted alone and, in and of themselves, are powerful truths. Gratitude-based prayer and petition brings about God’s abundant peace that fortifies our hearts and minds against more anxiety.

Yet, at times, they have been used as religious weapons against those with mental health diagnoses. Feeling anxious does not deem your faith to be weak. These words serve as a reminder that a grateful heart can lift your eyes above your circumstances, but I believe these verses need to also be read in light of the words directly before them. Like all of God’s Word, when we read it out of context, we miss even more insight and goodness. The dual use of the word ‘rejoice’ (v4) because ‘The Lord is near’ (v5) puts our daily worries and even our intense anxiety into perspective.

These words are a call to prayer in and through the storm, not just after it. Our God of peace is the same God who led the Israelites through the sea of reeds.

God wants us to long for His peace, which is best found by soaking in His presence. This unexplainable peace comes from focusing on His important things and showing concern for the things that He deems worthy of our concern. This is a practical way to find freedom in praying Jesus’ words, ‘Your will be done’. When we align ourselves with God’s Word, and we seek His will, then in turn it becomes our will.

Written by BREE BOND