Philippians 4. Do not be anxious about anything… (4:6) The word “anxiety” in Latin comes from the root verb that means to choke or to squeeze. Anxiety will literally squeeze the life out of us. So, what do we do with our anxiety?!

The Apostle Paul opens the book of Philippians by telling his audience “I am in chains”. Yet Paul is not anxious; instead, he is trusting in God and accepting his circumstances, whether he is set free from prison or not. How do we find this kind of peace?

First, we find peace by remembering that the Lord is nearby. The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything. (4:5-6). It’s important that we not pluck the verse out of context, because this little phrase is significant. If the Lord is near, He is present. He is aware of our circumstances, and He is nearby to comfort and protect. He is bringing relief. He is bringing justice and resolution. Remember that the Lord is near.

Secondly, we find peace by retreating in prayer. 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 (4:6-7). That’s very straightforward instructions – when we are anxious, we are to bring our concerns to God, to pour them out before Him. In prayer we become aware of the Holy Spirit, who gives us peace and comfort beyond our understanding. He also gives us guidance and direction and will help us find our way. Note, it is with thanksgiving, which is a choice we make to be grateful for what God has already done.

Thirdly, we find peace by reprogramming our thought patterns. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (4:7-8). Can you see how this whole passage holds together? The command to not be anxious (v.6) is linked to the instructions regarding how we are to focus our thoughts (v.8-9). We are to think on what is true, and we need the help of the Holy Spirit to reprogram our thoughts! There are lies we cling to, but we can identify and fight against those lies with the truth and the help of the Holy Spirit.

Like Paul, we can learn to be content in whatever situation we face (4:11). Even Paul had to learn how to do this, so we can learn contentedness as well! The secret to this contentedness is knowing that Christ strengthens us through all situations (4:13). We also know that God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (4:19). What a wonderful promise we can cling to!

Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (4:9). Though our tendency is to be anxious, we can learn to choose differently. “The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional.” – Max Lucado