Practical Theology | God's Remedy for Anxiety

“Prayer is not our attempt to persuade God. He knows our needs better than we do.”

We deal with anxiety in many ways: breathing techniques, massage, and physical exercise. But God has given us a remedy that may surprise us: prayer. Philippians 4:6–7 urges: “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.”

Anxiety is a reaction to the concerns we feel. Often these are focused on necessities: providing food and clothing for ourselves or our family (Matt. 6:25). Or we may feel uncertain of the future (Matt. 6:34). At its root, anxiety is the stress we feel when we are not in control. This may tempt us to try and use prayer to control our circumstances and ultimately, God Himself. We know it is impossible (and unnecessary) to do either. The key to prayer is not persuasiveness but faith. Prayer is the most effective cure for anxiety because it is based on the certainty that God “knows what you need before you ask him” (Matt. 6:8).

Prayer is not our attempt to persuade God. He knows our needs better than we do. We cannot pressure God into granting our request or force Him to do anything. To begin with, we have no leverage. Besides, God is not unwilling. The one who clothes the flowers of the field in beauty and provides for the birds of the air is pleased to supply what we need as well (Matt. 6:25–33).

If the knowledge of the things we need and the power to provide them are in God’s hands, why are our prayers even necessary? We pray because it is our privilege to ask. God, who already knows what we need, gives shape to our words instead of making them unnecessary (Matt. 6:9–13). We have been made in His image. By allowing us to put our requests into words, God grants us the dignity of treating us as His children (Matt. 7:7–11). Are you anxious today? Present your requests to God.

For Further Study

To learn more, read Psalms for the Anxious Heart by Becky Harling (Moody Publishers).

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.