My husband and I are very much alike in many ways, but very different in other ways. One area in which we are very different is our sleeping habits. When he goes to bed his head hits the pillow and he’s out like a light. Within 5 minutes, he’s sound asleep. For me, however, it’s very different. Once I lie down in that dark and quiet room, no matter how tired I might be, my mind starts racing. I think about everything I have ever done and everything I might do in the future. I think about people, relationships, issues, and anything else that comes to mind. As a result, I often feel overwhelmed about life and become anxious.
This happened the other night, and I immediately thought of one of my favorite passages of scripture. You probably know exactly what I am going to say. You guessed it — Philippians 4:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
I was once told by someone, that when we are given a command in the Bible, it is always followed by a promise. Just as it continues in this passage:
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Then it goes on:
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice.”
And if you do this –
“And the God of peace will be with you.”
I don’t know about you, but for me it’s hard to never feel anxious. It’s easier to complain to God about what’s not right or what should be, and to worry about what is. But that promise is enough to make me think twice. To have the peace of God? The peace that transcends all understanding? I can’t even comprehend that. But that is the peace that I want. And all that’s required to have that is what it says in that passage. It’s THAT simple. Why is it that the simple things are sometimes the hardest to do?
Well my time to have “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” is now. No need to wait, no need to feel anxious, and no need for sleepless nights. Just the need for the peace of God. Would you like to join me?
May you have the peace of God.
Thanks for these words, Gina. I am so glad that I memorized that first verse long ago. I, too, struggle with anxiety. It’s so easy for me to think that I can control a situation. Because of my desire to be in control, I find myself anxious over the outcome. If and when I’m able to let go of that desire, I find not only do I trust God a whole lot more but that I allow God to be more present in my life and thus enjoy my relationship with Him more fully (as well as live more enjoyably, because I’m not worrying!). I’ll never understand fully why these great things are so difficult to live by!
Thanks for your response, Kyla. I think women tend to be more anxious about things than men. I don’t know why that is. And you’re exactly right. When we let go of our control, life is much better. When we trust God with our lives we are definitely happier and less anxious, and we can have a better relationship with God. I definitely want that.