Devotional: Push it Back

Anxiety is a war against our soul and is the enemy of peace. It means to be pulled apart and strangled, and it tries to tear our spirit apart and suffocate our mind. However, the Lord wants us to push back against anxiety in order to gain peace.

Paul’s instructions to us regarding peace are simple and easy to follow, but can also be very easy to forget. In the midst of our day to day lives, we often get so inundated by different circumstances that we can forget the simple secrets to peace that the Lord gives us.

Questions for Meditation

1. Anxiety pulls apart our soul, leaving us hyperextended. When has this happened in your life, and how did it affect you?
2. What can we do when we recognize our soul becoming hyperextended by anxiety and worry?
3. Philippians 4:6 says, “in every situation.” What happens when we do not to turn to God in every situation?
4. How can we be more mindful to turn to God “in every situation” before going elsewhere?
5. Philippians 4:6 also says, “by prayer and petition.” What is the difference between prayer and petition, and how can we use those in pushing back against anxiety?
6. Philippians 4:7 says that peace will “guard” our hearts. In other words, it will build a wall or a fortress around our hearts. What are some things you need the wall of peace to guard against in your life?