Daily Reading - "Do Not Be Anxious About Anything." Philippians 4:6 NIV

Here is how it read today...

Wed. Aug 12

"DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING." (PHILIPPIANS 4:6 NIV)

When you feel anxious (1)

.

Anxiety starts as a trickle, then creates a channel in our mind through which all our thoughts begin to flow. Most of our anxieties fall into three categories:

(1) Anxiety about things we all face: like aging, disability, retirement, loneliness, financial uncertainty, accidents, illness, losing a loved one, and death. (2) Anxiety about things we all must do: like making decisions, starting and ending relationships, losing weight, changing careers, making a mistake. (3) Anxiety reflecting our inner state of mind: These anxieties reveal how we feel about our ability to handle things. For example, fear of rejection can affect every relationship in your life. In order to avoid being hurt you shut others out, your world grows smaller and your opportunities for personal growth are more limited.

Many of our anxieties can be reduced to one question, "What if I can't handle it?" Your mind is the battlefield where victory is won or lost. So ask yourself, "Would I still be anxious if I knew for certain I could handle anything that came up?" The answer is no. Anxiety can't immobilize you and steal your joy when you know you can handle whatever happens. You say, "That sounds too simple." Not when you bring God into the picture! Here are two great anxiety eliminating Scriptures you can stand on when times are tough: (1) "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Php 4:13 NKJV). (2) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds" (Php 4:6-7 NIV).