
Definitions & Insights – Anxious or Peaceful?
by Katy Kauffman
Do you ever feel like the default setting of your heart is set to “anxious”? I would have to say yes, except God showed me a contrast in Scripture that eased my anxious thoughts and made me depend on Him more than ever.
Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
Do not be anxious about one single thing. Why?
Anxious means:
- “to be troubled with cares”1
- “to divide”2
When we’re anxious about a situation, our thoughts are divided. Our hearts feel a tug of war between worry and faith. God wants us to wholeheartedly focus on Him and look to Him for what we need and want. So He calls us to take our troubles to Him in prayer. Then what happens?
The root definition of peace means “to join.”3 When we choose faith over fear, our hearts are joined to God’s heart, and we have peace. Our connection to Him, and our dependence on Him, is renewed. We remember the greatness of His power, love, and wisdom. We anticipate how He’ll work in our situation.
Don’t let worries divide your mind and heart. Join your heart to God’s, and believe in who He is and what He can do. Then you’ll have peace that passes understanding.
1. Larry Pierce, The Online Bible, CD-ROM (Winterbourne, Ontario: Larry Pierce, 2019), Philippians 4:6, anxious.
2. Ibid. (Part of the root definitions.)
3. Larry Pierce, The Online Bible, CD-ROM (Winterbourne, Ontario: Larry Pierce, 2019), Philippians 4:7, peace.


6 Comments
Barbara Latta
Philippians 4:6-7 are some of my go to verses. Thanks for sharing this encouraging word, Katy!
Lighthouse Bible Studies
I keep those verses tucked away in my heart, Barbara. Thank you for visiting and commenting!
Dar Myers
Nice article and great reminder. I also refer to parts of this verse when my anxiety hits over 10. Reading the article provides a clearer perspective with which to focus. Thanks for sharing.
Lighthouse Bible Studies
The verses help me to calm down too and trust God. Thank you for sharing, Dar, and for visiting!
Marilyn Nutter
I love the contrast you made :join vs divide. It’s a vivid picture of peace vs.anxiety in our mind and heart. Thank you!
Lighthouse Bible Studies
Thank you so much, Marilyn! I enjoyed making that discovery, and it’s a relief to have a “battle plan” when anxiety wants to take over. My heart wants to stay close to God and embrace His peace.