"Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus."
Reading this passage today had me mulling the different parts of these verses - my part and God's part. My part is to "be anxious for nothing." This is an imperative, a command. In other words, "stop being anxious!" This is a conscious choice. Anxiety is when you are constantly overanalyzing, constantly thinking through scenarios in your head. This is a command to stop doing that! However, Paul knows that our minds will just continue to analyze unless we fill them with something else, so the second part of what we are to do is to "let [our] requests be made known to God". This turns our focus off of ourselves and onto God. It focuses our perspective, changing it to HIS glory, even while we still let Him know what we desire. It also commands that we thank God in the midst of it. Thank Him for what He has done, thank Him for what He is doing, thank Him for what He is going to do in the situation. This reminds me of Deuteronomy where it says throughout the book, "you shall rejoice." Once again, an imperative! This is choosing to be thankful despite circumstances, despite feelings, despite, emotions.
The second half is God's part. He will give us peace that "surpasses all understanding" and that peace will "guard your hearts and minds". This word "guard" is the same idea as fortify or protect. Which one of us doesn't need our hearts and minds fortified? They need to be guarded against doubts, fears, and often dreams and wishes. Each of these things can be good when held in the proper position, but they can also be terribly dangerous.
Oh Lord, if I am faithful to do my part, please be faithful to do Yours!
