Philippians 4:6-7New King James Version (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18% of the population. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test or making an important decision. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The feelings can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. There are several different types of anxiety disorders. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are generally treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. The major purpose of this blog is to highlight an ever-growing medical problem in our American culture and to offer a spiritual perspective on this most serious condition. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
Beware of the Preoccupation of Things of this World
The above Holy Scripture Philippians 4:6-7 offers some spiritual answers and practical solutions to the problem of anxiety disorders in the lives of millions of souls. The passage of Scripture commands the follower of Messiah to “be anxious for nothing!” We are to learn our limitations and restrictions during our lifetime on earth. In doing so we will learn to practice self-discipline over our entire being [body, mind, and spirit] by seeking the greatest balanced soul-care afforded within our learned spiritual education and practice. Each believer is warned to not impose unnecessary danger to ourselves, family and or our faith walk.
In essence, all mature followers of Messiah are to honor the Heavenly Father in all that we encounter publicly as well as privately as a demonstration of worship and witness that a certain aspect of the Kingdom of God is indeed, at Hand!
The writer of Philippians was the Apostle Paul as his primary purpose for writing this text was to warn followers to avoid being negatively driven by the spirit of Mannon. The adverse results of an anxious solicitude for worldly things will systemically destroy the inner harmony of the soul-life of the follower. Examples:
- One is not driven by the Spirit of God but by the spirit of mammon which redirects one toward being preoccupied with things of the world as opposed to things of the Kingdom of God.
- There will arise a heightened diffidence or negligence, of power, providence, and faithfulness of God which is the primary rationale/system for the condition of anxiety disorders that are impacting lives of millions.
Godfearers are not to be anxiously or in a distressing manner have this unhealthy and unscriptural concern for the things of this temporal world. They are to discover contentment, whether they have less or more, nor be over-pressed when things befall them, they are instructed to cast their care upon the Lord, leaving them there.
Overcoming the Troubles of this World
But in everything, at each time, Godfearers are to go to our Heavenly Father; whether for spiritual concerns and or physical blessings by exercising the life-long spiritual discipline of prayer and supplication. Prayer and supplication should be accomplished with a spirit of thanksgiving for all the mercies that are granted to those who practice this most powerful discipline of prayer.
As a result, the peace of God will passeth all understanding! [Phil. 4:7] This degree of peace is not found within humanity or of this world, it is located and springs from our Heavenly Father on our accounts due to His faithfulness and promises to deliver each of His children through their respective earthly journey. Due to His grace and mercy, the door in the heavens is opened on our behalf, granting us the supernature peace to overcome the trials, testings, temptations and evils that are associated with the world.
The spiritual laws governing this supernatural peace of God will enable each follower the capacity to keep their hearts and mind on Christ Jesus. [passeth all human/earthly understanding] How?
- The follower will always rejoice in Messiah on all occasions.
- There is an increased desire for additional constant prayer throughout the difficult time.
- The most difficult the situation, the more grace, mercy, and peace is applied to the follower which enables the believer the ability to learn preservation and patience. [James 1:2-5]
From a spiritual perspective, our Heavenly Father has the very best solution for each soul that seeketh after His will and promises. In His Kingdom, each follower can overcome and avoid anxious care and concerns of this world by abiding in Messiah. In doing so, the supernature blessing of peace from heaven is given to those who seek after it, and the result is that you will honor God and learn preservation and patience throughout your earthly journey.
Grace and Peace
Alonzo E. Thornton, D. Min.