Our society mass-produces anxiety, tension, stress, and depression. God has given us the authority to dismiss all these things from our minds by an act of our will. However, there's more to it. We must present our "needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude" (Phil 4:6). In this way, we don't just "think positively," but actually change the circumstances which contribute to our anxieties.
Furthermore, to be permanently free from anxiety, we must accept God's order, His shalom-peace, into our lives (Phil 4:7). This will guard our hearts and minds by giving us a point of reference by which to decide if something belongs in our lives.
Finally, permanent freedom from anxiety not only depends on guarding against bad influences. We must also wholly direct our thoughts "to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise" (Phil 4:8).
In Jesus, we have authority over anxiety. We exercise this authority through prayer, peace, and focusing on what is true, pure, and godly. In Jesus, we can be the most carefree, peaceful, and happy people in the world.
| PRAYER: | God of peace (Rm 16:20), make my life holy in every aspect (1 Pt 1:15). |
| PROMISE: | "The Stone Which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure. It was the Lord Who did this and we find it marvelous to behold." –Mt 21:42 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, Who conquered all anxiety by His victory on the cross. Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College