The Solution for an Anxious Heart
Philippians 4:6-7
County Home Service – October 14, 2001
A widow who had successfully raised a very large family was interviewed by a reporter, she had raised six of her own children and adopted 12 others, she always maintained stability and confidence, the reporter asked what her secret was, the woman said that she was in a partnership, she replied - “Many years ago I said, ‘Lord, I’ll do the works and you do the worrying.’ And I haven’t had an anxious care since.”
The Solution for Anxiety
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. Philippians 4:6-7
A. The replacement of anxiety
1. We are to be anxious for nothing
a.) There was reason to be anxious
The church was facing: severe persecution, disunity within the church, carnality of some members, false teachers and some members who were struggling to survive
b.) God will enable every believer
God fills us with His peace because He overcomes the trials of life. We are called to be concerned, not anxious. Concern moves us to act with courage. Concern moves us to conquer problems and difficulties in life
2. The remedy for anxiety – Prayer
a.) We are to walk with God
b.) We are to pray about everything
1.) Hold nothing back
No matter how small or insignificant the need may seem, God wants to handle it for you. God is interested in the details of your life.
2.) Prayer enables us to have peace
Years ago a military officer and his wife were aboard a ship that was caught in a raging ocean storm. Seeing the frantic look in her eyes, the man tried unsuccessfully to allay her fears. Suddenly she grasped his sleeve and cried, "How can you be so calm?" He stepped back a few feet and drew his sword. Pointing it at her heart, he said, "Are you afraid of this?" Without hesitation she answered, "Of course not!" "Why not?" he inquired. "Because it’s in your hand, and you love me too much to hurt me." To this he replied, "I know the One who holds the winds and the waters in the hollow of His hand, and He will surely care for us!"
B. The peace of God
1. Peace that is beyond understanding
a.) The Meaning of Peace
1.) Dictionary Definitions
The absence of war
An agreement or treaty to end hostilities
Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmony
Serenity: peace of mind
2. The Greek understanding
The Greek word for peace literally means to bind together or to weave together. It means that one person is joined together with another or more importantly joined with God
3. The Hebrew Understanding
The word used for peace in Hebrew is shalom. This term has deep meaning and coveys a sense of being free from trouble, experiencing the best of life and spiritual prosperity.
Because God loves us we can know…
* God will Deliver us * God will guide us
* God will provide for us * God will strengthen us
* God will encourage us
b.) The experience of peace
Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair, I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer, I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too, That I am deeply burdened and don’t know what to do. But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea, And I humbly ask if in His love He’ll do the same for me. Then I just keep quiet and think on thoughts of peace, And as I abide in stillness my restless murmurings cease. - Helen Steiner Rice
4. Peace that guards our hearts and minds
a.) The term guard means to garrison or protect. The peace of god is like an elite guard who protects a precious possession, your heart
b.) The condition is to be in Christ Jesus. Those who have no faith in Christ have reason to be anxious. They have no support in life. They have no strength from God’s presence during hard times. They have no power to overcome the challenges of life.
Conclusion
Good afternoon,
I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Pleae remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, DO NOT attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box. It will be addressed in MY time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it or attempt to remove it. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that is the proper assumption. Because I do not sleep or slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest, my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.
Today, if you have a burden that you have been carrying, give it over to God. If you have a difficulty that you cannot bear, give it over to God. If you have a problem that seems impossible to solve, give it over to God.
