ANXIETY Philippians 4:6-7

It has been about six weeks since we, in the United States, and the whole world had the shock of our lives: the election of Donald Trump, with all his baggage', as the President of these United States for a second time. And many of us, including yours truly, are still reeling. We all are experiencing a severe case of “Anxiety.”

The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines Anxiety as: “painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill; fearful concern or interest; an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.”

If you are one of us, the anxious bunch, I wish to take a moment to tell you that you do not have to feel guilty about how you feel. We have seen enough the last time, and have heard enough, so far this time, to justify our concern about what the next four years, and beyond, will be like. We only have to take a look at the various ministerial, judicial, and diplomatic nominations that have been put forward to conclude that we are in for a rough ride; to where? We do not know; especially those of us on the lower rungs of the economic ladder, and those of us from foreign lands, especially from African descent.

But, I also wish to ask you to take a moment to meditate on the apostle Paul’s letter to the church of Phillipi, specifically, the fourth chapter, verses six and seven. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Imagine never having to worry about anything! It seems like an impossibility – we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school, etc. But Paul’s advice is to turn your worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray, tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.

The incompetence and corruption may not disappear. The threats, the injustices, the chaos may not disappear, or who knows they may well do, if that is God’s will. But, one thing is certain, you will experience God’s peace.

God’s peace is different from the world’s peace (see John 14:27). It is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. Real peace comes from knowing that because God is in control, our citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and our victory over sin is certain.

Let us Pray.
Omniscient, Omnipotent God , you are the God in whom we live and move and have our very being. We praise you God. We glorify and magnify your Holy Name. And, we give you thanks for your grace and your mercy. We give you thanks for your faithfulness. You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us, and you have remained true to your promise. Regardless of the situation, we know that we can count on you to be there with us. As we struggle to accept this new political landscape, not knowing what is to come, we pray O God of the past, the present, and of the future; help us to faithfully cast our cares upon you. Help us O God not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, to present our needs to you O God. And may your peace, the peace that transcends all understanding, may it be ours today, tomorrow, and forever. In the name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen and Amen.