Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

~ Philippians 4:6-7 ~

It is a common enough verse that even the youngest of Christians know it by heart. Yet the real question is this: have we as Christians taken it to heart? How often is it that we are anxious about something? A new day, new people, new job, new blessings, and new challenges How come we do not bring our thanks, and our worries or concerns, to God?  I have often considered that the biggest reason for people feeling depressed, sad, or anxious all the time is because we try to take on life by ourselves. And in doing so, have worried ourselves to death. We do not take the time to bring out cares before the Lord, Who is all too willing to take them from our shoulders.

Most know the verse “don’t be anxious, just pray”, but what about the second part? That “the peace of God beyond our understanding will guard our hearts and minds in the Lord.” We are so quick to neglect the command that we forget the promise in store with it. This happens so often the case with the commands of Christ. The rule is there for a reason, and it is always for our benefit or protection. In this case, it is peace from God. It is hard for me to recall the last time I truly felt completely at peace. But if there is one thing I have found, it is that I come closer to being at that place once I begin, and then completely give, all of my cares to Christ. And that’s hard, since I want to keep a hold on everything; but the peace is much better than the burden, especially since I cannot take care of everything! It is a simple yet hard command because we humans like to have control over everything and wish to listen to no one’s rules. My fellow Christians, gives your anxieties to Christ. Be thankful for what He has blessed you with, and receive with joy the promise of His peace.

~Rose