“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.

The Bible is not big on emotions like fear, worry, and anxiety. Typically, it counsels that we should refrain from having them. Do not fear”(Deuteronomy 31:6), “Do not worry”(Matthew 6:25), and “Do not be anxious,” are just three of the examples it talks about. Being anxious is the exact opposite of an emotion the Bible often encourages: peace. In John 14:27, Jesus doesn’t say He’s going to the Father and leaving us with anxiety. Rather, He says He is leaving us with peace. Peace is the standard operating emotion of a Christ-follower.

When anxiety strikes, turn to God, not to the situation. When you do, then something good happens. The peace that transcends all understanding pacifies your troubled heart and mind. You may not understand how God can resolve your situation, but that’s why it’s called the peace that transcends understanding. You’ve given the problem to God, you’ve “cast your cares” (I Peter 5:7), and it is up to Him to figure out how things should be handled.

Don’t forget the thanksgiving part of the recommendation. After all, if we’re not thankful for the many things God has already given us, why would we expect He will give us even more?

Today I hope your life and mine will be an example to those around us of how to trust God for peace and not resort to anxiety, strife, anger and bitterness. Even if it is beyond our understanding, God will work it into our life if we make Him the priority!