Don’t Be Anxious About Anything
Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When I first read “Do not be anxious,” it honestly made me a little mad. It felt impossible. How could God ask me not to be anxious when life is full of reasons to worry? Bills to pay, children to raise, health concerns, job pressures, and the uncertainty of our world— all of these weigh heavily. If anxiety feels like a constant companion, you are not alone.
A study from the American Psychiatric Association found that 70% of U.S. adults feel anxious about keeping themselves or their families safe, and over one-third say they are more anxious today than a year ago. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly one in five adults experiences an anxiety disorder each year. Anxiety is real and it’s everywhere.
It has touched me and my family in ways I never expected, and because of that, I can empathize deeply with those who struggle. If your anxiety feels overwhelming, I encourage you to seek professional help—but also seek Jesus. Scripture also offers a spiritual perspective—a way to experience hope in the middle of the struggle. With Jesus, peace is possible.
One of my favorite examples comes from King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. He was told that three enemy nations were marching against him. One attack would have been enough to cause fear— but three at once felt impossible. Isn’t that how anxiety works? Often, it’s not just one problem, but multiple challenges stacked on top of each other, leaving us uncertain and overwhelmed.
Jehoshaphat’s response shows the way forward. Instead of trying to solve it in his own strength, he turned to God in prayer: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12). God doesn’t need polished prayers—He just wants them to be real. Prayer not only reaches God’s heart, it also calms our own, taking our thoughts off fear and placing them on the One who is able.
After praying, the people did something unusual—they simply stood before the Lord. They didn’t rush ahead or try to figure everything out. They paused. And in the pause, God spoke: “You will not have to fight this battle… The Lord will be with you” (v. 17). Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do in the middle of anxiety is to stop, be still, and allow God’s voice to quiet our fears.
Before the battle was even won, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go out ahead of the army, praising God. It was like sending the worship team to the front lines. I love worship teams, but if I’m honest, they aren’t exactly the people I’d pick to have my back in a fight! You can imagine how strange that must have looked to have the organ player leading the charge against 3 enemy armies. Yet it was a bold declaration of trust: God was already worthy of praise, even before the outcome was clear. Praise shifts our focus from the size of the battle to the greatness of our God.
Anxiety is not a sin—it is a signal. Just as a check engine light warns us that something isn’t right with our vehicle and needs attention, anxiety alerts us that something in our lives needs care. It is a signal to pray, to pause, and to praise. As we respond, the promise of Philippians 4 comes alive: the peace of God, beyond all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
What worries are weighing on your heart today? God is inviting you to bring them to Him in honest prayer, to pause and simply listen for His voice, and to offer Him praise, trusting that He is already at work.
Lord, today I give You my anxious thoughts. Teach me to pray honestly, to rest in Your presence, and to praise You in every situation. Fill me with Your peace. Amen.