Peace that surpasses understanding
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6 -7
“Have no anxiety at all…” Are they kidding me here?! Is that possible?
According to an article by Dr. Bandelow and Dr. Michaelis, “anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders, and are associated with immense health care costs and a high burden of disease. According to large population-based surveys, up to 33.7% of the population are affected by an anxiety disorder during their lifetime.” That means that most likely 1 out of every 3 people you meet in your daily life are suffering from some form of anxiety disorder. It may even be you! If clinical anxiety is so prevalent in society, then how is it possible to find “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding,” which the Apostle Paul says is available to us?
In his letter, Paul hints at a formula for cultivating peace. Here are the steps he suggests:
“In everything”— this means be mindful in every situation in our lives, not only those areas that seem “important”. Sometimes the little things snowball into major panic attacks or conflicts. By being mindful of everything— how our body feels in each moment; how we are talking to ourselves and to others; why we may be avoiding certain things, etc— we take the first step in finding peace.
“By prayer and petition”— Acknowledge within yourself that there is a higher power who can help you with “everything”. Webster’s dictionary defines petition as “an earnest request.” Prayer is submitting your earnest request to the care of God. Jesus explains in the Gospels that if people, who are flawed, know how to give good gifts to their children then “how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). When we present our worries, issues, and needs to God in prayer, and trust that he will bring about something for our good, then we will be able to release some of the anxiety. We need to trust that God is bring us good things, even if that goodness does not come in the exact form for which we asked.
“With thanksgiving”— As soon as we say the prayer, we need to thank God that he is already bringing an answer to our prayers, even before that petition is granted. Thanking God in advance helps us to solidify our trust and faith that God is going to give us something good. Having gratitude puts us in a state to receive the goodness of God. When you thank God in advance, start to look for the blessing to come into your life. Gratitude puts you in the mental and emotional state to receive grace and blessings.
By following these steps, the Apostle Paul promises us that “peace” will “guard our hearts and minds”. Prayer and gratitude in every aspect of our lives helps relieve our anxiety and enables us to receive the peace of God.