Back to School Sunday - Intimate Conversations with God

Philippians 4:6–8 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Nothing gets my anxiety going like sports and perhaps there has never been a more anxiety inducing sports moment than of February 3, 2013. After a crazy Super Bowl that had a delay because of an intentional blackout. With 1:50 seconds left on the clock and a 4th and goal to win the game. Man that was crazy anxiety inducing.

But after it was over, the anxiety gave way to sheer joy. Because I’m from Baltimore. Not sure how you all felt.

Now imagine living with that feeling every day of your life.

For many people anxiety is their reality. And I don’t want to diminish that. Nor do I want to say just get over it and pray. But at the same time, let’s not dismiss the power of prayer to overcome anxiety. Even counselors will tell you that the problem with anxiety is that it often never rooted in reality, but the fear of any number of possible outcomes.

Anxiety keeps you from acting because of fear of rejection, of failure, and even of success. Anxiety is often fear of the least likely outcome.

But when it comes down to it. Anxiety is a war that is raging in your mind. And I’ll say it, it’s a demonic war that is causing your to believe lies and not trust the truth.

Anxiety causes you to doubt the goodness of God; the omnipotence of God; the ominpresence of God; and the omiscience of God. Anxiety causes you to doubt that God is in control and that you can trust Him.

So the cure for anixety according to Philippians 4:6-8 is prayer.

When you are anxious, you ought to first go to God.

Are you afraid? Pray.

Are you worried? Pray.

Are you anxious? Pray.

In everything. Pray.

But don’t forget to be thankful.

When we thank God for what He has already done for us, it reminds us of all the times that God has come through for us. It reminds us that in times when we didn’t know if we’d make it, God came through. It reminds us of the everyday ordinary blessings.

And this will give you peace as you learn to trust in God. It’s a peace that doesn’t always makes sense. Because knowing that God is in control, you face every circumstance with boldness. And people will look at your like your are crazy as you navigate circumstances that would destroy them. And then they look at you and wonder what you have…and then you are ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.

When you live in this peace, the lies of the devil have no power over you. Your heart and mind is protected as you rely on Christ Jesus.

But never forget that the battle for your soul and the battle for the souls of those around you begins in your mind.

If we were to go all the way back to the Garden of Eden we would find the origin of sin…doubt in who God is and what He has said.

So fight the war of lies in your mind with truth.

So what does verse 8 tell us to think about? Truth. Not lies.

And where is the source of our truth?

God’s word.

Psalm 119:9–11 ESV

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

In times of anxiety, pray and cling to God’s answer. His word.

And if you have never prayed. If you have never clung to God’s Word before, may your first pray be the pray of repentance that acknowledges the sin that separates you from God and accepts the free gift of salvation that was purchased on the cross.

May today be the day that answer the call to embrace Jesus as Lord of your life. And then from here on out, whenever you face anxiety, don’t forget to pray.