OPENING SCRIPTURE:

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Anxiety is real, but God’s presence is even more real.

#1: KNOW GOD’S PRESENCE

NOT FEEL God presence but KNOW His presence.

• The knowing part is based on your relationship with him.
• Things might be out of your control but never out of God’s control!

Elijah’s panic attack: 1 Kings 19:4

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4 NIV)

• His mind was so hijacked by enemy, that He forgot that God was with him.
• God had to remind him in that he was not alone… God’s presence was always there.

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the PRESENCE OF THE LORD, for the Lord is about to pass by. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a GENTLE WHISPER. (1 King 19:11-12 NIV)

• God did not want Elijah to feel His presence. He wanted Elijah to know His presence

Practical steps:

• Right in the middle of an anxious moment just stop and call on His name: JESUS!
• Then listen for His gentle whisper! That’s His presence!

#2 LET GO AND LET GOD

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

• The first step to overcoming anxiety is to cast all of our worries on God.
• You let go by letting God in.
• “Letting go” is easy but necessary.
• What we don’t confront we don’t overcome!

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” C.S Lewis

Practical step:

• Shift your focus from what might go wrong to what God has already provided and promised.

#3 CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

• Gratitude has the power to shift our perspective, even when we’re facing difficult situations.

Practical Steps:

• In moments of anxiety, pause to reflect on all the things you are grateful for.
• Start a gratitude journal.

DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Paul wrote this in a prison cell in Rome. Badly beaten and waiting for his execution.
• He had to let go of that pain in order to embrace the peace and presence of God.
• Paul turned to God in prayer and he encourages us to do the same.

CONCLUSION:

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?