Peace Found in the Unchanging One
By Emily Rose Massey
“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, ESV
I learned very early in my childhood that not much in life would stay consistent, sometimes including drastic change. My parents divorced, my mom remarried a man she met on the internet, another sibling was born when I was in middle school, we moved homes every two years throughout grade school and middle school, my father constantly battled alcoholism, and my high school relationship of two and a half years suddenly ended with a complicated breakup. It did not take long for a heart of anxiety to form in my life because there was not much I could run to for security.
So, as I got older, I ran to other things and other people. I quickly became ensnared by alcohol abuse and did many dangerous things, such as an adulterous relationship with a married man and countless one-night stands with random men I followed home from the bar. I was constantly anxious and depressed. But, after I graduated from college, my eyes were truly opened to my selfish, promiscuous existence and my deep desire to find something firm and secure. I hadn’t been to church for years, but one morning I went. During the worship service, God met me in my mess and convicted my heart of sin and rebellion. Immediately, I knew I needed to stop running away from Him and start running toward Him.
At that moment, I realized He was the security and peace I was searching for. I told Him I didn’t want to live this life alone anymore, and I repented for my rebellion and unbelief. I knew everything I was searching for could only be found in Jesus. I resolved to stand upon the secure foundation of the Rock, Jesus Christ, who never changes. After that moment, my whole world changed as God began transforming my heart. It was by far the best change I have ever experienced!
You may not have experienced difficult and often painful changes in your life exactly like I did, but I’m sure you have realized change is inevitable while we are here on this earth. Change is just a part of life. How we handle that change is where we will discover our hope and sense of security. If change is causing us to worry or stress out, we need not run to other things or people to try to fix our anxiousness. We will always be disappointed, left feeling empty and even more anxious. Instead, we must run to God. Philippians 4:6 tells us we must not allow anxiety to overwhelm us, but instead, we are to come to God in prayer and cry out to Him with our requests full of gratitude, knowing He hears us.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6, ESV
Nothing is too small when it comes to our prayers to God; He wants us to come to Him about everything! God not only hears our prayers; He responds with His peace and protection.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).
Intersecting Faith and Life:
God’s peace is like nothing else this world can offer; it is beyond all human logic or reasoning. He promises to protect our hearts and minds when we dwell on our position in Jesus as forgiven children of God. He is not only the Creator and sustainer of life but our heavenly Father that longs to protect and provide for us.
If you are feeling anxious right now because of changes happening around you, is your fear based upon reality or worry about possible outcomes? When anxious, do you find yourself looking to other things or people to calm your heart? What are some common worries you experience regularly? Instead of allowing these worries to drive you to other sources to bring relief, list them and take them to God in prayer today. He hears every request. You can find peace, and rest assured He is the One who never changes. Even if everything around you feels like shifting sand, remember that Jesus Christ, the unchanging One, is firm and secure.
Further Reading:
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The process of success is not hidden. It is on display for anyone to see. However, it is a daily grind that requires a great deal of work that is tedious and often uncomfortable. Successful people simply do the work. They embrace the grind and everything that comes with it. Ultimately, successful people understand this truth - Hope doesn’t produce change. Habits do! Everyone has the desire, but many lack the necessary discipline! That’s why today on The Built Different Podcast we have a very special guest who understands the importance of discipline and habits at a very high level. Don’t just focus on changing the thoughts in your head and the habits in your life, but also allow God to transform your heart from the inside out. If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Built Different Podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube so you never miss an episode!
