Published 3/20/20
By Nat Crawford
Read 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."
Reflect
How can we release anxiety and experience peace?
In 2009, we welcomed our second son into this world. He was a healthy, beautiful baby until July 4, 2009. That was the day it all changed.
That 4th of July, we were notified that our son had a tumor in his skull. In the following months, he was diagnosed with rare cancer, had two tumor removals and eight months of chemotherapy.
Over those 10 months, we cried. We experienced anger and confusion, but we also continually experienced a deep peace. There's no doubt facing the scariest of experiences produces a range of emotions, including fear. We were scared for the life of our son. Yet, during the situation, we had peace.
How? Why? God is in control. He is with His children. He will provide us strength in all circumstances (Isaiah 41:10). That's why we can practice Philippians 4:6-7. When life is hurling the scariest of times, we don't need to worry. Instead, we should pray about everything with thanksgiving.
When we heard "cancer," we prayed with thanksgiving. We prayed for healing and God's provision of the best doctors and care.
Whatever you're facing today, acknowledge the reality of it. But don't' stop there. Pray about it with thanksgiving. Then you can experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
Worry about nothing. Pray about everything. That's the way to release anxiety and experience peace.
Pray
Lord, you know my trial. I'm scared. Help me. Thank you for hearing my prayer. I trust you. Amen.