The problem of anxiety and the “peace of God”
We live in an anxious age. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 Americans experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year, and 1 in 3 will in their lifetimes. But we don’t need statistics to tell us something we all know. Because we all feel it, especially in the Bay Area. The uncertainty of life. Every day is a struggle. The constant sense of dread and fear. It’s the air we breathe.
And yet the Bible speaks of the “peace of God” (Philippians 4:7). What is it? It is a deep calm and emotional steadiness that transcends all circumstances. It doesn’t depend on the absence of troubles – but exists in the middle of troubles. It doesn’t mean detachment from people and their problems – but deeply loves people so that their troubles become yours. So then how is such peace possible?
This peace comes from a deep confidence and trust in God’s wise control of life. It is a peace based on God’s sovereign rule of the universe, so that all things are going according to his good and wise plan. Often, we don’t understand his plan. Often, it seems like the plan is going off the rails! But this peace comes from a deep trust in the character of God. So that we don’t need to know the exact details of how the story ends, because we know the Author of the story is good! He is also an exciting author, and there will be surprising twists and turns in the story, but in the end, when we finally read the story in its totality, we will be overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving. Peace comes from knowing that beforehand.
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt (1632)
The world is filled with problems and troubles. Everything is in flux. Nothing is solid. But peace come from standing upon God as the unshakeable rock. That’s why we can be steady. Not because we have a steely temperament, but because we are rooted in God. Or to switch metaphors, with Jesus in the boat with us, we can face all of life’s storms (Mark 4:35-41).
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7)