I don’t know about you, but anxiety is a constant battle.  For example, at this very moment I’m worried about any number of things… work, my wife and anything else that pops into my mind.  All are contributing to the uneasiness invading my belly.  And yet, the Lord tells me not to be anxious.

“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.”  - Philippians 4:6–7

It’s hard to surrender my anxiety in exchange for peace.  Can you relate?  I generally do three things to experience the Lord’s peace.

First is to remember the Lord.  The Lord repeatedly told Israel to remember Him.  Viewing life through the lens of who God is, what He has done, and His promises invariably shrinks my problem.  God is bigger… and the Lord, my God, is faithful.

Secondly, surrender.  Nine times out of ten, my distress is due to control (or, my lack of it).  I’m suddenly afraid something isn’t going to turn out the way I want, and so I’m anxious and fearful.                                                                                               

Our goal with every unknown outcome should be to echo Christ’s prayer in Gethsemane. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)  And here’s the reason:  Surrender ignites peace, while control builds anxiety.  But we can’t stop at surrender either.  It’s necessary to follow surrender with Worship.

Even when we don’t know how life will turn out…  Raise a hallelujah because God is good.  Worship is our rescue.  Something changes inside of us when we choose worship over worry.  Raising hands of praise to the Lord in seasons of uncertainty silences the enemy and brings victory.

Do you remember in elementary school how they taught us to stop, drop, and roll if we ever caught on fire?  I see “remember, surrender, and worship” as the spiritual equivalent to stop, drop, and roll.

For “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

                                                                                                         - Psalm 46:1  

We are not alone in our struggles.  When we remember, surrender, and worship the King, we discover the peace that surpasses understanding guarding our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.