Mission Venture Ministries

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) 

Although this was written to the Philippian church, the principle of Philippians 4:6 applies to all believers. 

Sadly, when we have problems and worries, we often forget to pray about them. If, however, we have a close relationship with our Heavenly Father, there is no need to worry about the way things are. The solution is to give our problems over to the Only One who can actually do something about them. 

Philippians 4:6 gives us a model for the kind of prayer we need to pray when we are anxious or worried. 

First, we need to reject worry, do not be anxious about anything. Then, we simply ask God for what we need, in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And we thank Him with thanksgiving for all that He is about to do. Finally, we rest, knowing that He loves us and will work things out for our good and His glory. 

Jesus Christ offers peace if we come to Him with our worries and concerns. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). 

Stress of all kinds is a natural part of life; but how we deal with it is up to us. If we choose to try to do it on our own, we will not find lasting relief. The only way we can consistently and successfully deal with stress is through trusting in the finish work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

First, we must believe in Him. Second, we need to trust Him and obey Him because disobedience and sin produce stress and cut us off from the only means of peace and joy. And finally, we need to seek His peace daily by filling our mind with His Word, lifting all things to Him in prayer, and sitting at His feet in reverence like Mary did (Luke 10:38-42). It is only by His grace, mercy, and love that the stress in our life can be controlled. 

Lifting our burdens and concerns to a Holy and righteous God daily will lessen or eliminate the stress in our life. Psalm 55:22 tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He will sustain us and never fail us. 

Since being anxious should not be a part of a believer’s life, how does one overcome anxiety? In 1 Peter 5:7, we are instructed to “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 

In this verse, God is telling us to give Him all of our worries and concerns. Why does God want to take on our problems? The Bible says it is because He cares for us. God is concerned about everything that happens to us. No anxious thought or worry is too big or too small for His attention. When we give God our problems, He promises to give us that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7). 

When we sincerely talk to God, He listens; when we praise Him, He is by our side; when we worship Him, He acts on our behalf.

We need to understand that the way we handle our circumstance determines the outcome of the situation.
Meaning that our reaction has in impact to what the outcome will be, good or bad. Therefore, we should do whatever we can to keep our mind focused on Him, because God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3). 

Keeping our mind fixed on the negative thoughts not only drains physical energy, it also directs toward the negative which is what we need to stay away from.

It is the grateful heart and worship of the Father that brings wisdom and answers to prayer. Lack of faith foments fear, insecurity, criticism, and pride. However when love, optimism, and thankfulness are present and are priority, our life takes a different turn to the better.

When you feel completely hopeless, the best antidote is to praise, thank, listen to uplifting worship music, take a walk and concentrate on the beauties God created for us.

Grateful hearts that search for the best in every situation create a positive atmosphere, causing God’s love and grace to shine through us.

Psalm 37 is a great antidote against worrying about evil people in our life and in the world. 

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. (Vs. 1-2) 

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Vs. 3-4) 

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. (Vs. 5-6) 

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. (Vs. 7-8)

And always remember that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23).

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