Philippians 4:4–7 (NIV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Peace is not the absence of trouble; it is the presence of Jesus in the middle of trouble. Philippians 4:5 (NIV) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. • Worry Is always an Invitation to Pray Philippians 4:6 (NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. John 16:33 (NIV) 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” • Thankfulness Reminds Us Who’s Responsible for Carrying Us Philippians 4:6 (NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Psalm 77:10–12 (NLT) 10 And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” 11 But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. 12 They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. Thankfulness shifts your focus from the size of your problem to the character of God. Romans 8:32 (NLT) 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? • God’s Peace Guards What Anxiety Attacks Philippians 4:7 (NIV) 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The peace of God is different from having peace with God. Romans 5:1 (NIV) 5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 4:7 (NIV) 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Jesus is not simply the distributor of peace; He is our peace. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) 3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. • Peace Grows Through Daily Surrender What has God asked you to carry today? Next Steps Turn your first anxious thought into your first prayer. Write down one fear and surrender it specifically. Begin every morning with truth and thanksgiving. Ask for help when anxiety becomes overwhelming.