An Anxious Age

We live in an anxious age. It’s easy to worry about our health, our finances, about war and conflict that seem closer than ever. This week we are exploring what it means to live without anxiety or fear.

God of Peace, I offer You my worries, I bring You my brokenness, and I surrender my striving. As I rest in Your presence, I receive Your peace.

I pause and pray...

Today, I am reflecting on words the Apostle Paul wrote from Rome whilst imprisoned and under the threat of execution.

(Read Philippians 4:4-9)

If anyone has a reason to be miserable, it is someone chained in a cell. If there has ever been a place designed to discourage the gentle treatment of others, it is a prison. If anyone has a reason to be anxious – emotions pulled in all directions – it is a prisoner on death row who is still hoping for release. Yet Paul says, "Rejoice! Be kind! Don’t be anxious! Pray!"

Lord, whatever is making me fearful or anxious now, let me know that You are near. Help me to pray well, to be thankful, and to experience Your peace today.

I pause and pray...

I think of someone whose situation is much worse than mine right now, someone who is experiencing debilitating fear and anxiety.

Lord, may they experience You today as the God of Peace.

I pause and pray...

It is much easier for me to stop worrying about something when I know what is going on. Uncertainty makes me anxious because it means I am not in control. But Paul promises "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding". I don’t have to know the answers. I do need to trust God.

I pause and pray...

Lord, sometimes I get anxious, but today, I yield myself to the nearness of Your presence. Letting go of my desperate need to understand everything first, I put my trust in You, that You will guard my fragile heart. Amen.