Good morning, friends. Before finishing your first coffee, how many worries crossed your mind? Maybe traffic, a bill, health concerns, your kids' choices, or a looming project deadline. Our world seems designed to produce anxiety, from morning to night. But what if God has given us a practical and powerful way to handle these daily worries?

The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:6-7—"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.”

Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison, chained to a guard and uncertain about his future. Despite this, he discovered God's peace that transcends circumstances. If God's peace was available to Paul in prison, it's certainly available to us in our struggles.

Let’s be honest about anxiety. It's not a sign of weak faith—it's human. Anxiety builds like snow on a windshield (for my Southern friends, that’s a soft, white substance from the sky during winter up North), with worries piling up and blurring our view. We replay conversations, imagine worst-case scenarios, and lose sleep over potential problems. The Greek word for "anxious" means "to be pulled in different directions," capturing how anxiety feels—torn by fears and concerns. But there's hope: Paul doesn't tell us to ignore anxiety or think positively. He recognizes it and shows us a better way.

Paul offers a three-part approach to managing anxiety: prayer, which is talking with God about our concerns; supplication, making specific, urgent requests like worries about a teen coming home late or a medical test; and thanksgiving, which is thanking God for past blessings and future help, even amid anxiety. For example, instead of worrying about finances, pray: "God, I'm scared about making ends meet this month. I ask for wisdom and provision, but thank You for what You've already provided." This shifts focus from worry to worship.

God's promise is that His peace will "guard" our hearts and minds, like a soldier at a gate, warding off anxious thoughts. This peace isn't based on circumstances but surpasses understanding—calming concerns about finances, health, or relationships. It comes from surrendering problems to God's love.

I found three practical steps to help improve our focus: First, use the "worry list to prayer list" technique—write down worries and turn them into prayer requests, like replacing "I'm worried about my job security" with "God, I pray for wisdom at work and trust in Your provision." Second, practice gratitude during anxiety—identify three things you're thankful for to gain a more positive perspective. Third, learn short breath prayers like "Jesus, I trust You," "God, give me peace," or "Lord, You are in control,” which can help during panic attacks. The goal isn’t to never feel anxious, but to respond effectively when it happens.
I challenge you to choose an anxiety weighing on your heart and surrender it to God in prayer right now, not waiting until later. God is present, listening, and offering His peace. Let me pray: "Heavenly Father, we bring our anxious hearts and worries, confessing we often carry burdens You didn't intend. We surrender concerns about our families, health, finances, and futures, asking for Your help. Thank You for Your goodness, faithfulness, and unwavering love. Fill us with Your peace, guard our hearts and minds in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

Trusting until He comes,

Gene