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An anxious mind can eat away at us inside, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that God is greater than our worries, and His peace exceeds our understanding.
In Philippians, the Apostle Paul encourages us with these words:
“Do not worry 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 4:6-7, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Many of us are familiar with anxiety; it’s a common aspect of being human. Whether your concerns are everyday stresses or more profound anxieties stemming from chemical imbalances or past traumas, prayer is one of the many resources God provides for dealing with worry.
In our anxiety, we sometimes resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms. We might numb ourselves with excessive alcohol, bury our worries in work, or engage in gossip to elevate our self-esteem.
Paul advises us to bring our worries to God in prayer. Additionally, God has given us other tools to combat anxiety, such as supportive friends, the church, exercise, therapy, and medication.
Consider your mind as a house with worry persistently knocking at your door. Your initial response might be to ignore it, hoping it goes away, but it only becomes more persistent. What is this worry? Give it a name.
Rather than ignoring it, go to the door. Open it wide and invite your anxiety in. Let it take a seat. Acknowledge its presence and listen to what it has to say, no matter how distressing.
Once it’s done speaking, remind your worry that you’re not alone. Jesus is in the room too. Inform your worry that while it can stay, Jesus will never leave your side. His presence ensures your protection.
Watch as your worry realizes it cannot dominate you. It may become silent and retreat to its chair or leave the house entirely.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing my prayers and inviting me to cast all my cares on You. Help me to remember, especially when anxiety strikes, that I can turn to You in prayer. Please surround me with Your peace, guard my heart and mind, and teach me to find my life and joy in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Listen now to the short version of this Abide meditation, “Overcoming the Anxious Mind,” based on Philippians 4:6-7. Let God speak to your heart about how He wants to soothe your anxious mind.
Let Abide be your daily companion as you seek to overcome your anxious mind. Our more than 1500 biblical meditations all exist to help you experience the peace of Christ that Philippians 4 talks about. Download the app and start a premium subscription. This will gain you access to our entire library of content. Use this link for 25% off.
