Peace in Anxiety

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, anxiety has become an all-too-familiar companion for many of us. We long for peace, yet often find ourselves grasping at fleeting moments of calm amidst a sea of worry. But what if there was a way to find true, lasting peace even in the face of our deepest anxieties?

The reality is that anxiety wasn't always part of the human experience. It entered our world as a result of the Fall, when sin and evil tainted what was once a perfect paradise. Now, we find ourselves affected by various sources of anxiety – our circumstances, our past experiences, our own sins, and even chemical imbalances in our brains.

But here's the good news: we are not left to face our anxieties alone. There is a God who draws near to us in our struggles, who hears our cries, and who guards us with His peace.


God is Near
The foundation of our hope in the face of anxiety is this powerful truth: the Lord is near. This isn't just a comforting platitude; it's a reality grounded in the person of Jesus Christ. The eternal Son of God took on flesh, entering into our human experience. He knows what it's like to feel anxious, to sweat drops of blood in the garden of Gethsemane as He faced the weight of what was to come.

But Jesus didn't just enter into our anxiety – He overcame it. And now, He walks with us through our darkest valleys, guiding us step by step towards the light. Even when we can't see the way forward, His grip on us never loosens.
For those who believe in Jesus, God's nearness is even more profound. His Holy Spirit dwells within us, a constant presence and guarantee of all that God has promised. We are never truly alone, because God Himself has made His home in our hearts.


God Hears
In our anxiety, we often turn to distractions or vices to numb the pain. But God invites us to do something radical: to bring our struggles directly to Him in prayer. He stoops down to listen, even to our weakest cries.
Instead of running from our anxiety or trying to escape it, we're encouraged to lay it before our loving and faithful God. He wants to hear from us, to listen to our pain, and to lift us up in our distress.


God Guards
As we cry out to God, we discover that He doesn't just listen – He acts. He guards our hearts and minds with His peace. This isn't a promise that all our anxieties will instantly disappear. Rather, it's the assurance that God walks through the valley with us, shielding us from danger and giving us the strength for each next step.
Like a skilled soldier leading someone through a war zone, God guides us through the chaos of our anxieties. He doesn't teleport us to safety, but He ensures our protection every step of the way.


Walking in God's Peace
So how do we experience this peace of God in the midst of our anxieties? The apostle Paul offers three practical exhortations:

1. Tune Your Mind: In moments of anxiety, we're called to focus our thoughts on what is true, pure, and beautiful. This means grounding ourselves in the truths of who God is and what He has done for us. It means filling our minds with what is right and good, rather than consuming things that draw us away from God. And it means learning to notice the beauty that surrounds us, even in small moments – a cool breeze, a child's laughter, or a stunning sunset.
2. Tune Your Heart: As we bring our anxieties to God, we're encouraged to do so with thanksgiving. This doesn't mean denying our struggles, but rather choosing to trust that God is working for our good, even when we can't see it. We can thank Him for who He is, what He's doing, and the good purpose He has for us – even in the midst of our pain.
3. Tune Your Love: Ultimately, we're called to set our love on what is unchanging – on God Himself. While everything in this world is subject to change, God remains constant. By anchoring our love in Him, we find a stability that can weather even the strongest storms of anxiety.

The Promise of Renewal
As we wrestle with anxiety, we hold onto a powerful promise: the Lord is coming soon. This life, with all its struggles and anxieties, is not all there is. A day is coming when Christ will return, wiping away every tear and making all things new.

This means that even if we struggle with anxiety for years or decades, we will not suffer forever. Everything sad will become untrue. Our tears will be wiped away, our fears will vanish, and we will find perfect rest in the presence of our Savior.

In light of this hope, we can echo the words of the hymn writer who, even in the face of tremendous loss, declared:
"When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul!'"

No matter how dark our anxieties may seem, we can hold fast to this truth: our God is with us. He hears us, He guards us, and He invites us to experience His peace as we learn to tune our entire being to Him. May we find comfort in His presence, strength in His promises, and hope in the assurance that one day, all will truly be well.