Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, ESV
Have you ever been called a “worrywart?” Or heard someone say, “No one worries more than you!” Or maybe you’ve been told, “Stop worrying so much!”
When I was in high school, I was voted “Most Paranoid.” For much of my life, I felt like this was my identity. Can anyone else relate?
Do you find yourself worrying about your colleagues’ opinions? About disappointing your principal? Or feeling anxious when approached by a parent—whether they’re difficult or not? Do you stress over time management, organization, or comparison with others?
The list goes on and on! While these concerns are often valid, it’s important not to let them control us.
Philippians 4:6-7 has been one of my life verses. While I haven’t fully overcome the tendency to worry, I hold fast to the truth in God’s Word: worry is a form of negative prayer, and anxiety will never bring about positive results. God’s command is clear: Do not be anxious about anything. Not some things. Not a few things.
He also calls us to pray—not timidly, but urgently, pleadingly, and with thanksgiving. Gratitude, after all, can help reframe our thoughts and guard us from false perspectives.
I’m so grateful that God’s peace—His shalom—is far beyond our understanding. It’s a peace that will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Imagine a life without the assurance of salvation in Him. Without it, we’d be left in a state of anxiety and hopelessness.
So, the next time you find yourself anxious—whether over the daily demands of life, the pressures of being an educator, or just the challenges of being a follower of Christ—remember: His peace will guard you. Just be obedient and cry out to Him in prayer.
Lord, thank You for guarding our hearts and minds and for being an awesome God. I pray that we take every thought captive to You, and that we dwell in Your peace! I pray that we calm our anxious hearts by fully trusting in You and offering up all of our requests to You, big and small, and always giving thanks for what You have done for us! Lord help us turn our negative worry into positive prayer. Help us, as we can not do it in our own strength. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!
Copyright Mia Tepper.
Mia is a Christian Educator member and a middle school general music, chorus, and theater teacher in Pennsylvania.
