Peace is a Person
Have you ever been anxious? Maybe you know all too well what anxiety is. Maybe you only feel anxious when you feel the weight of a moment that is too heavy to carry alone. Either way, anxiety is real and it’s a problem.
After only five minutes of research, it was abundantly clear to me — humanity has become imprisoned; bound by the grips of anxious thoughts. Check out these stats from Harmony Healthcare IT on Gen Z alone:
3 in 4 Gen Z get anxious when making calls or speaking over the phone
22% reported increased heart rates, sweating, and restlessness when they can’t use their phones
37% feel their phone interferes with their quality of life, including work and relationships
57% panic when their phone battery is low, or the internet isn’t working
79% said they have their phone on them at all times
91% sleep with their phone within arm’s reach
These stats are just about phone usage, but in addition, the United States has one of the highest overall rates of anxiety in the world. According to multiple studies, over 12% of all Americans (about 42million people) suffer with regular symptoms linked to anxiety.
Since the end of the 1990’s anxiety has not just increased in each generation, it has boomed. Millennials, Gen Z, and already Gen Alpha have shown disturbing increases in anxiety.
How do we combat an invisible, mental and spiritual attack, that manifests itself in hundreds, if not thousands of different ways? The scientific answer is almost always medication and removing the stressors and anxiety inducing causes.
I am in full agreement with removing some anxiety inducing things like limiting social media, news, and digital connections, but life is filled with highly pressurized moments. We cannot medicate ourselves through, and run away from every stressful season. Growth, maturity, and confidence is forged from within the fire, not by avoiding it altogether. If we run from every stress, we are running from opportunity. Fear culture is fueled by avoidance. Faith is fueled by facing trials.
So, what can we do? We can spend more time in communion with the Prince of Peace.
Webster’s Dictionary defines anxiety as, “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated misfortune”
The Bible actually talks about this feeling more than once. God is not surprised or stumped by our anxieties, in fact, He has given us the blueprint that defeats them. In Matthew 6:25-34 we’re told not to worry about tomorrow or even our lives, and that God will provide for our needs. Verse 33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
One passage jumps out to me, Philippians 4:4-9, in which we receive some incredibly practical advice to help us through.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I want you to notice the word, “practice”, indicating a disciplined and consistent action on our part to think correctly. Also notice that God and His peace is mentioned twice here. First, as a promise to those dealing with anxiety who rejoice in Him always, spend time in prayer, supplicate themselves (humble & earnest pursuit), and give thanks.
Next, as a promise that “the God of peace” will be with those who think on, and practice proper thoughts.
This is GOOD NEWS.
How many times have you heard a friend, family member, or even a pastor tell you that God gives us peace? Probably a lot, but how many times have you been given a roadmap on how to receive His peace? Hopefully multiple times, but if not…HERE IT IS.
Here’s the key — Peace isn’t a thing, it’s a person; THE Person — Jesus.
Isaiah 9:6 is from the prophet Isaiah as he prophesies the Savior that would be born to set us free.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Peace is about knowing Jesus, not finding a cure to anxiety.
There’s so much we could unpack, and more than could ever fit within a quick blogpost, so here’s what I will leave with you.
Put your phone down; pick your bible up. Social media is the leading cause of anxiety in the U.S. for every age group.
Turn off the TV; turn to your prayer closet. Entertainment is less valuable than assurance.
Practice dwelling on things that redirect your mindset and guard you heart (Philippians 4 list)
Thanksgiving fills you up; complaining drains you dry. Joy is a choice, even when it’s hard.
Praise and worship refocuses your attention from your problems, to your provider (who is also your peace). It doesn’t negate your trial, it submits it to the King.
Surround yourself with people that encourage you yet hold you accountable. Enablement coddles you to your grave while accountability lifts you from it.
Faithfully attend a church that preaches truth, challenges you, and even makes you uncomfortable.
When anxiety creeps in, double-down on your disciplined thoughts and remember that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! (Philippians 4:13)