Young Adults' Group

Overcoming Anxiety

by Pastor Mark
June 23, 2016

The anxieties of life

We live in a very challenging world today. The global economy is not doing well, and this is potentially exacerbated by Britain’s exit from the European Union. There are many threats of terrorist attacks. We worry and become anxious over whether we would lose our job and be unable to find another one. We fear for the security and safety of ourselves and of our loved ones.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Philippians of different experiences that could have caused anxieties in his life and ministry. He was incarcerated in a prison with the possibility of facing execution. (Phil 1:7) He was faced with suffering. (Phil 1:29-30). But did he allow such things to cause him to be anxious? The answer is “No”. Let us learn from the example of Paul in overcoming anxieties.

The challenge not to be anxious

“Be anxious for nothing,” (Phil 4:6)

The word “Be anxious” in Greek is “merimnaó” and was used by Paul in his commendation of Timothy, “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.” (Phil 2:20) In this instance, the word “merimnaó” is translated as sincerely care. This is the basic idea of the word. It is used positively to show how Timothy truly cared for the brethren.

But when one is over-wrought with care, then the word “merimnaó” reflects anxiety. It becomes negative. Paul challenged the brethren not to be over-wrought with care…to become overly worried and anxious. Let us be challenged not to become anxious over anything at all.

Prayer as the means over coming anxiety

“But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (Phil 4:6)

Paul wrote of the need to approach all things with prayer in order not to be anxious. Nothing should be done without prayer. There are different ways of praying to the Lord. Depending on the circumstances that we find ourselves in, we pray accordingly in order to find peace in the Lord. We could use a general prayer (proseuche) which is really a wish expressed to God. We could also make a supplication (deesis) which is a heartfelt petition for a specific need. There is also thanksgiving (eucharistia) which involves “charis” which means grace. We are shown grace which should lead us to give thanks. Through these prayers, we should commit our cares and concerns to God our heavenly Father, who will hear and answer our prayers. Let us choose to pray in order to overcome our anxieties.

The peace of God to guard us                     

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7)

The peace of God is seen as a blessing specially given from God. It is a special kind of peace. This peace is described as one that will surpass all understanding. It goes beyond all comprehension or reasoning. The only one who can accord such peace is God. The word “guard” in Greek is “phrouresei” which is a military term that means “to guard as a sentinel”. The peace of God will guard the heart, the emotions of a person and the mind, the reasoning of a person. The use of the future tense would indicate a future reality…that peace will truly come. The peace of God will guard our heart and mind through Christ Jesus. We need to live in and through Christ in order for this peace to come. Let us be challenged not to be anxious but to pray over all concerns that the peace of God may guard our heart and mind always.

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