There are a lot of folks who spend a lot of their lives being angry and frustrated by the things they see in the world around them. We get ourselves worked up and anxious. We rant and rage, post our opinions on social media, and grumble about how bad the world is. Too often, we live this short life bound up with worry, plagued by anxious thoughts, easily offended, and on the verge of an angry outburst. Is there a better way?

I often come back to the Apostle Paul’s words found in his letter to the church in Philippi –
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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 4:4-7)

Where is this among the American church? Where is the abounding joy? Where is the reasonable attitude? Where is the heartfelt anticipation for the Lord’s return? Where is the blessed freedom from anxiety? Where is the peace that is so wonderful we cannot even comprehend its magnitude? Where is the calming confidence that Jesus is present with us and in us?

Far too many of us grumble, complain, vent, and, of course, post it all on social media when instead we should immediately and persistently take it to the throne of grace. The only cure for our anxiety and pent-up frustration is found in the presence of God as we pour out in prayer the unfiltered flow of our hearts and minds. This is the pathway to peace prescribed by God Himself.

I must constantly remind myself of this truth, or I am quick to forget it. I have a choice – I can live my life bound up in anxiety, or I can live it in the freedom promised by God. You have that same choice. Choose wisely.