04/11/2025
Need peace for your anxious heart?
The other day, with the perfect fall weather calling us outside, my kids and I decided to ditch the indoors and head to the park. As I made my way towards the grassy field, a gentle breeze brushed against my face, and the warmth of the sun nudged me toward the cool shade of the trees. My kids were off, absorbed in their own adventures, and the thought of freedom crossed my mind. Yet despite being outdoors, free to wander as I pleased, an overwhelming wave of stress and anxiety held me back, making me feel more confined than liberated—chained to my worries and endless to-do lists.
If I’m being honest, motherhood has brought with it a relentless loop of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. As someone who craves control, I often find that motherhood pulls me further away from it. I had convinced myself that the more control I had over my life and circumstances, the closer I’d come to peace and joy. I became locked in by my unmet expectations, worries, and my inabilities.
When I was a young mom searching for peace, I remember reading Philippians 4:4-7:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”
And I thought, wow, this peace Paul talks about must have truly surpassed all understanding—because I didn’t feel it or know it.
Did you know that when Paul wrote these words, he was in prison? Yet despite his circumstances and lack of control, he experienced peace and joy—not from a perfect life or fulfilled expectations, but through communion with Jesus and trusting in Him.
In these verses, Paul offers us practical steps (I love steps!) to break free from the anxieties that can imprison us:
Jesus Holds Us Together
The Greek word Paul uses for "anxious" means to be drawn in opposite directions or “divided into parts”—as if we’re falling to pieces. While anxiety can stem from many different reasons, Paul challenges us not to fall apart about anything. The good news is that even when we do, Jesus is there to comfort us. We can be confident that He holds all things together, including us. Instead of relying on our own strength, it’s about surrender.
Prayer
Paul mentions prayer, supplication, and requests, which all reflect the power of connecting with God through prayer. In moments of anxiety or overwhelm, we can pause and bring our burdens to God. Sometimes, writing our prayers in a journal can help to relieve the mind and heart, laying down what’s weighing us down.
Thanksgiving
Praising God throughout the day helps us stay in a state of worship and keeps our eyes on Him. If you’re struggling to see the good in your situation, ask God to shine light on your blessings, and use a journal to record them. Cultivating a heart of gratitude can make a huge difference, bringing a sense of joy and presence into our daily lives. (Need help in this area? Join our November study! Details below.)
In Paul’s surrender and trust, he discovered true heavenly peace and joy. Though he wasn’t physically free, he was spiritually free because he relied on God and His promises.
May you find true freedom, peace, and joy—not in perfect circumstances, but in the gentle surrender to God’s love and care, where His peace surpasses all understanding.
Breath prayer: Breathe in: My joy and peace
Breathe out: are in you, Lord
In His love & grace,
Amber
