Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer & Praise

In this passage, the apostle Paul provides powerful instruction and reassurance to believers on how to combat anxiety and experience God’s supernatural peace. He begins with a clear command. “Do not be anxious about anything.”

Anxiety, worry, and fear are universal struggles that plague humanity. Paul is not suggesting these emotions are sinful, but rather instructing believers not to allow anxiety to dominate their thoughts and lives. This total prohibition against anxiety is only possible through the means he prescribes next.

Instead of being consumed by anxiety, Paul exhorts believers to take everything to God in prayer with an attitude of thanksgiving. No matter what the situation or concern, they are to make their requests known to God through continual prayer and petition. And they are to do this “with thanksgiving”, expressing gratitude to God even in difficult circumstances.

When believers obey this instruction to pray about everything with a thankful heart, Paul promises they will experience “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” This divine peace surpasses human comprehension. It is a supernatural calm and reassurance from God Himself that transcends circumstances and fortifies believers’ minds and hearts.

Paul states this peace “will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Like a sentry on guard duty, the peace of God will mount a defense against anxiety and fear in the believer’s inner life. It protects from worry and stabilizes the emotions, as the believer focuses their heart and mind on Christ and the power of His indwelling presence.

In summary, these verses provide believers with the antidote to anxiety and the way to access God’s inexplicable peace. By taking every concern to God in thankful prayer, believers can experience His profound peace which will protect their hearts and minds through life’s difficulties.

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