Finding Peace in a World of Worry: Jesus' Remedy for Anxiety

Have you ever found yourself counting rows on an airplane, mentally preparing your exit strategy while the person in front of you fumbles with their bag? Or perhaps you've put on your "Sunday face" – smiling and saying, "I'm blessed and highly favored" – while inside, turmoil is brewing. Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere.

Understanding Worry and Anxiety

Anxiety is defined as "a state of apprehension or nervousness often about something impending or anticipated." Worry allows our minds to dwell on difficulties or troubles, creating a state of uncertainty over actual or potential problems. The truth is, everyone reading this is carrying at least one care – and these cares are as real as the chair you're sitting in.

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes from a Roman prison, "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."

That word "guard" is significant. The Greek word Paul uses is a military term referring to a sentinel or guard. It means the peace of God will post sentries around your heart and mind, preventing a hostile takeover. The peace of God will jump into action and protect your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace Is Not the Absence of Something

In John 16:33, Jesus tells His disciples, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Here's what we need to understand: Peace isn't the absence of something; it's the presence of someone.

Society tells us if we could just get rid of this payment, this health issue, these marriage problems, then we could have peace. But Jesus says, "In ME you may have peace." Peace is not about removing problems; it's about adding Jesus to your situation.

Shalom: Nothing Missing, Nothing Broken

The peace Jesus offers is the Hebrew concept of "shalom" – completeness, wholeness. As one theologian defines it: "nothing missing, nothing broken." Because of what Jesus did, we can be whole and complete regardless of our circumstances.

Eugene Peterson paraphrases John 16:33 beautifully: "I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace." Shalom means living in a place of mental, emotional, and spiritual health – having inner strength even when circumstances should make you feel uncertain or fearful.

Life May Be Uncertain, But Jesus Is Not

Jesus didn't tell His disciples, "Take heart, I've conquered the world, and if I can do it, you can too." That would have been discouraging! Instead, He said, "I have overcome the world." Jesus faced every enemy possible and conquered them completely.

Satan and this world gave Jesus their best shot. He took the torture, the ridicule, the beatings. He went to the cross, died, and was placed in a borrowed tomb. Three days later, the stone was rolled away, and Jesus walked out bearing the battle scars of a warrior, saying, "I've conquered this world."

This truth sustained pastor Rick Warren through one of life's most devastating trials. After losing his son Matthew to suicide, Warren shared something profound: "I never questioned my faith in God, but I did question God's plan." Even in the face of unthinkable loss – when every human instinct cries out for answers – Warren chose to anchor himself in who God is rather than demanding to understand God's ways. This is what it looks like to trust the character of Christ even when His plan remains mysterious.

Putting It Into Practice

If you're struggling with anxiety and worry today, here are three practical steps:
Do your part – Take responsibility for what's within your control. If it's a relationship issue, go apologize even if you think you're right. If it's health-related, start eating better or walking. If it's financial, create a budget and watch your spending.
Give God what you can't do – Trust Him with the things beyond your control. You can't heal that person, change their mind, or control the outcome of every situation.
Trust God no matter what – Whether the situation turns out the way you want or not, choose to trust Him. This doesn't mean pretending everything is fine or suppressing legitimate grief and disappointment. It means choosing to believe that God's character remains good even when His ways are unclear.

Jesus said, "I've told you these things so that in me you may have peace" (John 16:33). Not in job security, not in a health report, not in a relationship or finances – there is only one place you can find and experience shalom peace, and that is in Him.

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