This week I’ve had several talks with folks about a feel of darkness in the building. A lot of folks kind of down. It is that time of year, right? Dark, cold, gloomy…for some that is very hard. It sounds like “worry and anxiousness” is a big culprit for some. Anxiousness about the year, the country, the world in general. Life is kind of crazy.

So today we’re going to look at (Philippians 4:6-7). It’s a passage that folks use to fight worry, but it’s so much more than that.

1. To not worry (to not be anxious) is found in many places in Scripture. It’s something that we need to fight from doing. We can’t just be okay with living in it. But it can be such a huge temptation to fret over things in life. However, not worrying is easier said than done sometimes.
2. Instead, the passage says we’re to replace our worries with prayers and petitions. To let our requests be made known to God. That when we start to worry, we need to immediately give it to God. Talk to Him. Turning the cares into prayers. Pray to Him with thanksgiving about how He’s been with us through it all. Claim those promises He so freely gives to those who call on His name.
3. The result: The peace of God which passes all understanding, will keep our hearts and minds strong…NO MATTER WHAT COMES.

May we all step into the gap of a world who desperately is seeking for answers. Be an example of faith, love and hope. Point people to Jesus.