Philippians Four

Anxiety is running high. Thoughts are racing and it is unbearable. What if? What if this would really happen? Could it? What if they find out? Did that really screw up my entire life?

According to the data Pastor Bryce mentioned, anxiety is really on the rise. It was always around, but it is getting worse. The data, the pandemic and the uncertainty of the future are not really helping. But what is?

Quoting Paul’s letter to the Philippians (4:4-7), Bryce mentions four practical steps to battle these anxious thoughts: (1) celebrate the blessings in your life, (2) focus on God through prayer, (3) worship God by trusting Him, and (4) be satisfied with where you are, knowing that God is right there with you.

Let’s turn these steps into very practical actionable steps that are tailored to your situation. Take one step at a time:

1. “Count your blessings.” Literally, count them. Write those things down that you consider a blessing in your life. Each blessing is a point. Some up the number. How many blessings do you have?
2. Now, write down your concerns. Create a prayer journal. Now turn them into a prayer. Start by saying: “Lord God, you know of my concern of (insert the concern). Give me guidance. Give me peace. Give me discernment. I want you to help me. Amen” – I think you get the picture.
3. Worship God by looking at who God is in that particular concern. Is he your provider. Your calm in the storm. Your Authority. Protection. … When you look closely, who is God to you, right now.
4. In your Bible app (I recommend “OliveTree Bible”) search for that attribute of God and what it said about him. Pick one verse that speaks the most to you and memorize it!

Tackle your anxiety with a “tool” that has been around for thousands of years – focusing on God. And remember from the previous sermon series: “even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death (stuff that can make you anxious), God with his rod and staff is right there with you.” (Ps. 23:4).

Blessings to you my friend! May you find peace in God’s presence.