Read Philippians 4:2-9

“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

These are some of the most popular verses in the entire Bible among Christians, as it should be. These are worthy verses to be memorized as they are packed with incredible wisdom.

But I wonder how many truly understand what Paul is commanding here? How many are applying these truths accurately in their lives?

Sadly, more often than not, I hear this verse quoted as nothing more than a positive thinking phrase, rather than a spiritual key to unlock the peace of God. Contrary to what many think, Paul is not commanding positive thinking. He's commanding passionate prayer.

There are at least three things for us to take note of —

First, notice that anxiety is actually something we can control. By anxious, Paul means to panic, to fret or to worry. This is usually spawned by fear. But the great apostle tells us that this is no longer something that has to control our lives. Whatever the case may be, we can and should be anxious for nothing.

Jesus uses this very same word no less than 5 times when preaching His Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 6:25-34)

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)

Secondly, I want you to observe that anxiety is not brought under control through willpower or wishful thinking, but through the power of prayer. Let me say that again. Anxiety is brought under control through prayer — "everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Beloved, when we can place our worries in the lap of God, and fully trust Him in our circumstances, we can live anxious-free anxiety-free.

That is why the Apostle Peter said to be —

“casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

As one of my favorite hymns beautifully reads —

*Turn your eyes upon Jesus,  


Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace*

Thirdly, please draw your attention to the glorious result of a healthy prayer life. It's peace! — “and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

The peace of God! — is this not something we all want to experience every moment of every day? God alone has the power and authority to grant this peace, for it is a peace that God possesses, for He Himself is our peace. This peace is bestowed upon us from His throne when we come to His throne in prayer.

This peace from God is so wonderful, that Paul goes on to describe it in two ways. It is, first of all, a peace which is incomprehensible. It surpasses our understanding! It can’t be explained, but it can be experienced! It is, second of all, a peace which guards our hearts and minds.

In the words of Wuest — "God's peace is like a sentinel that mounts guard and patrols before the heart's door, keeping worry out!"

Beloved, I would encourage you today to simply commit your life to prayer. A life of prayer is the greatest weapon against the worries of this world. And a life of worry is a sure indicator of a prayer-less life. If we’re fretting, it means we need to be sitting at the feet of Jesus more.

Whatever you are worried about today, take it to God in prayer. I promise you on His very Word that if you do this, He will remove your fears and worries, and will guard your heart and mind with His surpassing peace!

Amen.

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