You have already prayed about it. Soon enough, you are rehearsing the same conversation and bracing for the same outcome.
“the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9 • Read Philippians 4:4–13
Bring it to the One who is near
Just before Paul writes about anxiety, he reminds the Philippians that the Lord is near. That is why we can tell God what we fear and ask Him plainly for what we need.
We bring our concerns to God in thankful prayer. You can thank Him for a kindness He has already shown you while you are still asking Him to help with what comes next (v. 6).
His provision is peace, and that peace is our protection. This is the first promise. God’s peace will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus, even while you wait for an answer (v. 7).
Give your mind something true
When you catch yourself rehearsing the worst, ask what you actually know. Paul gives the mind somewhere to turn. Think about what is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely and commendable, what is excellent and worthy of praise.
There may be a hard truth to face, or a kindness you have been too preoccupied to see. Give that your attention.
The practice
Paul’s lived example shows what it means to put what we have learned into practice. The Philippians had learned, received, heard and seen these things in him. Later he tells them how he learned contentment in abundance and in hunger through the strength Christ gave him.
Perhaps you have seen someone do something like that. They waited without making everyone around them bear the weight of their fear. What could you learn from their example and put into practice today?
The second promise is God’s presence. The Promise-Keeper is the God of peace Himself, and He will be with you as you put into practice what you have learned (v. 9).
Look at the One who makes peace
Before His departure Jesus told His disciples, “My peace I give you” (John 14:27). Hear how personally He speaks. The peace He offers is His own.
At the cross God made peace through Christ’s blood to reconcile us to Himself (Colossians 1:19–20). Look at what it cost Him to bring us near. Jesus is the Peacemaker who reconciles us to God, the Peace-Giver who shares His own peace and the Protector who guards our hearts through it.
The Peace-Giver is with you.
The next time the worry comes back, you can turn again to Jesus. Bring Him the thing you still want to control, and ask what trusting Him would look like in your next decision.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, what am I still trying to keep in my own hands?
Teach me to bring it to You with thanksgiving. Help me hear what You say, give my mind to what is true and take the next step with You. Amen.
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