Philippians 4:6, 7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul is not saying, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He is saying that instead of worrying about an issue, believers should pray. He uses two different Greek words for prayer and supplication. The word translated prayer indicates a simple request, like when a child calmly asks, “Mom, can you come here.” The word translated supplication indicates a crying out for help, like when a child screams, “MOMMMMMM!” One form of prayer is more urgent than the other, but both are important. Now, the key to releasing the peace that surpasses all comprehension is the thanksgiving. When we give thanks we are forced to reflect on the unchanging character of God as well as His past provision and deliverance. Thanksgiving releases the power of the Holy Spirit in us to bear the fruit of His of peace. This peace overcomes our desire to understand HOW God is going to answer our prayer. His peace enables us to rest in the simple belief that He will answer our prayers in a way that is best for us as He conforms us into the image of Jesus.
Be on guard against thoughts that begin with ‘What if.’ These thoughts are from the enemy, and are strategically introduced into our minds through the power of sin in order to produce anxiety, fear, doubt and panic. Satan will also use ‘What if’s’ to lead us into the trap of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. “What if I left the coffee pot on?” “What if I forgot to lock the door?” Soon, we are checking and rechecking, and eventually, we are paralyzed by the ‘what ifs.’ Recognize that these thoughts are from Satan; renounce letting your mind dwell on them; ask Jesus to reclaim the ground you have given to Satan by listening to them. Consciously declare aloud that the battle against the ‘what if’s’ belongs to the Lord, and the enemy will flee from you. Rehearse in your mind songs, hymns and verses that remind you of Jesus’ love and protection.
So, don’t worry; PRAY and GIVE THANKS, and GOD’s PEACE will be released in your life!