Choose the Pathway to Peace

Research tells us that anxiety is on the rise. We’ve probably all felt anxious in recent years because of the uncertainty that has surrounded us. Here’s the thing, anxiety robs our joy. We don’t want that, but we are often unsure of how to overcome those worrisome feelings.

Often when we feel anxious, we end up feeling guilty. But, friend, our guilt isn’t helping us. It’s only creating more anxiety. Instead, we need a plan to quiet our anxiety and find peace.

The Apostle Paul was no stranger to anxiety. He wrote, “Therefore I am all the more eager to send him (Epaphroditus) so that when you see him again, you may be glad and I may have less anxiety” (Philippians 2:28). Later in his letter, Paul gave the Philippian believers a plan that he had used to find peace. He wrote that they were not to “be anxious about anything.” In the Greek language in which Paul was writing, the implication is, don’t continue being anxious. In other words, when anxious feelings come, have a plan to quiet them. Paul‘s approach was to pour out his heart in prayer and then switch his focus to praise and thanksgiving. As Paul shifted his focus to what was true, noble, lovely, and admirable about God, the Holy Spirit gave Him peace.

The great thing is that peace is available to you and me today. We can work the same plan when anxious thoughts threaten our joy. We can pour our hearts into prayer and then shift our focus to God’s good and almighty character. As we praise Him, He will quiet our anxious hearts and give us peace.

Pause and Reflect:

What most often causes you anxiety? What time of day do your anxious thoughts most often come?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You promise me peace. You promise that as I shift my focus to Your goodness, You will calm the anxious thoughts that pummel my thinking and grant me peace. Holy One, I confess, I need peace now more than ever. Teach me to shift my focus from all uncertainties to Your Almighty nature. You are the one who is holy, good, righteous, loving, and kind. Teach me to trust You.

These devotions are adapted from Rooted Joy, the first book in the Girlfriend Gathering series by Becky Harling. Find out more about Rooted Joy and other resources at www.beckyharling.com and www.ironstreammedia.com