“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:5-7
In a world full of uncertainty, it often feels like anxiety lurks around every corner, quietly consuming our thoughts and emotions. Yet, there is a remedy — it’s the presence of God, made real to us through prayer. As we continue our series, The Lowly, Pastor Ryan Schlachter invites us to see that Jesus, acutely aware of our anxious thoughts, has already provided a powerful alternative to our constant worry. We are not to be a people crushed by anxiety’s weight, but rather we are called to experience the peace that only comes from Him.
What's the context?
- In writing this letter from prison, Paul says that even in challenging circumstances, believers can be free from anxiety
We find the answer to anxiety by recognizing…
He’s here and on the way
- We do not need to fear the future or fixate on what is lacking because God is present now, and His promise of ultimate restoration is certain.
- This truth should calm our hearts, giving us peace for the challenges we face in the present and for any anxieties about the future.
- Looking to the image of Jesus asleep in the boat, we see that He is present even in the midst of anxiety. His peaceful rest shows us that He is immovable, and because of this, we too can find rest in Him.
Our prayers are effective
- When we persist in prayer, anxiety starts to diminish. Often, our anxiety may be a symptom of prayerlessness.
- We tend to pray vaguely out of fear of disappointment, but Prayer is our approach God, our loving Father who is inclined to hear everything we have to say. A heart of thanksgiving shapes our prayers and specificity in prayer is a mark of genuine faith.
- Many times, we place more faith in our worries than in Jesus Himself. Just as He overcame death, He can overcome our anxiety. Prayer shifts our focus from our problems to God's promises and provision.
His peace is our promise
- When we bring our anxieties to God in prayer, He promises a peace that is unlike what the world gives—a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
- The world can’t offer lasting peace, but God can. Jesus promises us His peace because He already knows the outcome of every situation.
- No matter how our circumstances unfold, we still win because we’ve been raised to life in Him. Jesus is our peace and our ultimate prize, not the resolution of our circumstances.
Additional Resources
Dinner Party Questions
- How does Goes being present help your anxious thoughts?
- How can you actively prioritize prayer time this week? Who can help keep you accountable in your prayer life?
- God promised to give us peace that guards our minds and hearts. Is there something you’ve been looking for to give you peace outside of His presence?
