Middle school · Day 4 of 7
When You Feel Anxious
Read: Philippians 4:4-9 (KJV)
4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Read the whole chapter ›What it means
Paul wrote this letter from prison, yet he tells us to rejoice! Then he gives us a powerful instruction: "Be careful for nothing," which means do not be anxious about anything. Instead, pray about everything, with thankfulness. When we do, God's peace will guard our hearts and minds. Middle school can bring a lot of anxiety: tests, friend drama, what people post about you, changes at home, or worrying about the future. God does not say your worries are silly. He says bring them to Him. Tell Him exactly what is bothering you, thank Him for what He has already done, and then fill your mind with things that are true, pure, and lovely. God's peace does not always make sense, but it is real.
Key verse
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
Think about it
- What are you most anxious or worried about right now?
- Why do you think Paul says to pray "with thanksgiving"?
- Look at verse 8. What are some good things you can think about instead of worrying?
Pray
God, You know the things that make me anxious. Right now I give You my worries about the things on my mind. Thank You for always taking care of me. Please guard my heart and mind with Your peace. Amen.