Moving from Anxiety to Peace

Moving From Anxiety to Peace
Philippians 4:6-9

Too many people don’t enjoy life; they endure it!
Worry and anxiety are some of the greatest thieves of our joy.

How to Move From Anxiety to Peace

1. Decide to move beyond worry (6)
Worry is a Habit that you learn and practice.

Research on Worry:

40% never happen
30% concern the past
12% needless concerns about health
10% insignificant or petty issues
8% legitimate concerns

Worry has been described as assuming Responsibility that God never intended for me to have.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34, ESV)

Takeaway: Live one day at a time!

2. Pray about everything (6)
Whenever God tells you to eliminate something, He always has something superior to replace it with. Don’t panic; Pray

Phrases:
“In everything”: If it is big enough to worry about, it is big enough to pray about.
Prayer: Focus on the greatness and majesty of God – Adoration, devotion, worship.
Supplication/petition: Specific, detailed requests “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV)

Takeaway: There is no problem that is too big for God’s power or too small for God’s concern.

3. Thank God in all circumstances (6)
Ungrateful people tend to be Unhealthy and Unhappy

Don’t be a When and Then person “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)

Takeaway: There is always something I can choose to give thanks for.

4. Think about the right things (8)
Worry is an Inside Job
You have been given the freedom by God to choose what you think about.

What we put Into our minds affects our minds.
If you don’t like the way that you are headed, change what you think about.

Takeaway: Whatever I think about; I am becoming

5. Do the right thing (9)
You cannot separate Outward action and Inward feeling.
Facts in my head are never enough; truth must be lived out.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22, ESV)

Takeaway: Right living is a necessary condition for moving beyond worry.

The Result (7 & 9)

Peace: A quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people or things around me.

Word Picture: A squad of Roman soldiers standing guard over your feelings and thoughts.

Peace With God always precedes the peace Of God!