https://www.gotquestions.org/Philippians-4-6.html

What is the meaning of Philippians 4:6? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”

If discouragement over the problems addressed in the letter (or anything else) was robbing the Philippians of joy, then Paul gives the solution in Philippians 4:6. There is no need to fret and worry about the way things are. The solution is to give the problems over to the Only One who can actually do something about them. The Philippians are to pray in every situation, bringing their petitions (requests) to God and offering prayers of thanksgiving for what God has already done.

 When we have problems and worries, we often forget to pray about them. Then, when we do pray, we may think that the only help that God can give is to grant the request as we have presented it and change the situation. God may very well do that. He has the power to change any situation, but He will not be limited to that. God does not promise to change every situation to our liking. What He does promise to do is give us peace during any situation. In other words, God may or may not change the circumstance, but He will change our disposition toward it so that it does not cause us inner turmoil.

Practically speaking, Philippians 4:6 gives us a model for the kind of prayer we need to pray when we are anxious or worried. First, we reject worry: do not be anxious about anything. Then, we simply ask God for what we need: in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And we thank Him for all that He has already done: with thanksgiving. Finally, we rest, knowing that He loves us and will work things out for our good and His glory. God’s peace is then ours.

Living By Faith

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-pace-of-faith

When Paul says, “The life I live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me,” he means: “Moment by moment I feel confidence that the love which moved Jesus to the cross for me is also moving him now to work in my circumstances for my good.” That’s why Paul could say, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). He believed in the present power and goodness of God and so he was not in haste: no frenzy, no jitters.

Haste makes waste. Waste of peace. Waste of health. Waste of joy. The Lord is never in haste for he has all things under control. What a steady power should mark his people! We dishonor him by our fretful hurrying. The children of the king do not panic when they lose their keys.

Anxiety Can Be a Spiritual as well as a Mental Health Issue

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/how-to-deal-with-anxiety-as-a-christian.html

Anxiety is not that simple because it often misunderstood to be simply that a person is stressing too much. There is a distinct difference between the sin of anxiety and the mental health disorder of anxiety that is characterized by physical changes in the brain. Anxiety is both a mental health issue and a spiritual issue. 

Billy Graham once said: “At its best, anxiety distracts us from our relationship with God and the truth that He is “Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25). At its worst, anxiety is a crippling disease, taking over our minds and plunging our thoughts into darkness.”

The Bible goes on to tell us in the book in Philippians chapter 4, “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.”

The first step to becoming free of anxiety is to give your life to Jesus Christ. Once you’ve taken this step, the next is to practice fixing your thoughts on Christ and his promises. (John 14:2-3). In the battlefield of our minds, we are to practice awareness of our thoughts and take them captive. 

Anxiety crops up when we least expect it. It happens when we’ve put too much on our plates. When we pile on the hustle, the busy, the doing, the too much, the too many yeses. Our body doesn’t know any other way but to say no. And our bodies shut down in ways we don’t expect. God didn’t design us to hustle 24-7. He designed us to Be Still and Know. To ‘Be still’ means to rest in God’s presence. This verse wasn’t written in the context of taking a spa day. It was written in the context of war. The meaning of the Psalm means to: stop, cease striving and stop fighting. It means to acknowledge who our God is and be in awe of him. Daily we should learn to be still before our Lord. It keeps the world from spinning off its axis within our minds. That means to become un-busy, to not hustle. We are to prioritize our time with Him and listen to what our bodies need. Rest, exercise, a good bedtime routine, getting eight hours of sleep, and consume healing foods. This is how we war against the battle of anxiety. 

How to Overcome Fear, Anxiety and Worry

https://billygraham.org/story/how-to-overcome-fear-anxiety-and-worry

Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered in anything short of God and His will for us. —Billy Graham. When Billy Graham wrote those words in 1965, no one knew how true they would be 50 years later.

At its best, anxiety distracts us from our relationship with God and the truth that He is “Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25). At its worst, anxiety is a crippling disease, taking over our minds and plunging our thoughts into darkness.

But God wants so much more for us than to walk through life full of fear, worry and anxiety.

“Do not be anxious about anything,” the Bible tells us in the book of Philippians, chapter 4, “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.”

Our instructions don’t stop there. The chapter goes on to tell believers exactly what we should focus on. And it’s not fear, terrorism, illness, death or evil.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9, ESV, emphasis added).

The first step to an anxiety-free mind is to give your life to Jesus Christ. Once you’ve taken that step, it’s important to fix your thoughts on Jesus and the promise that He is preparing a place for His followers in heaven (John 14:2-3).

Scriptures on Anxiety and Fear

https://billygraham.org/story/bible-verses-on-anxiety-fear/

1. Hebrews 13:6
2. Philippians 4:6-7
3. Psalm 34:4
4. Psalm 42:5
5. Matthew 6:34
6. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
7. Psalm 23:1-6
8. 1 Peter 5:5-7
9. Revelation 21:4

https://bible.org/seriespage/29-how-overcome-worry-matthew-625-34

When believers live only for food, clothes, etc., they debase themselves to being like animals. Life becomes all about serving our physical body. Really that is what most advertising is about: “Eat this!” Wear this! Watch this!” It is all about making the body attractive, pleasant smelling, comfortable, and entertained. Christ later says the pagans worry about these things (v. 32). Their primary concerns are temporal matters—not eternal ones—and they live in a constant rat race to fulfill those desires. However, believers are citizens, not only of this earth, but of heaven. Therefore, we must be primarily concerned about the affairs of heaven, even as we abide on the earth. Christ emphasizes this in Matthew 6:33 when he says seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness.

Focus on the Eternal

To overcome worry, we must focus on eternal matters—like becoming holy, seeing others saved, growing, and building God’s kingdom. Col 3:1-4 says: “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.”

Often the way you conquer a passion is by focusing on a greater passion. To focus on earthly matters like riches and basic needs will always breed worry and anxiety. Focusing on eternal matters delivers us from those worries and brings God’s peace.

Worry does not benefit us physically, mentally, or spiritually. Proverbs says anxiety in the heart of a man brings depression (Prov 12:25). Typically, we start to worry about something, and it affects our entire mood (and often that of others). Next, we find ourselves down and discouraged. Worry also negatively affects us spiritually. In Matthew 13:22 (NIV), in the Parable of the Sowers, Christ describes the seed sown upon thorny ground as “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” When we are constantly worrying, it hinders our ability to receive God’s Word and apply it to our lives. No doubt, there are many in the church who listen to their favorite pastor’s podcasts every week, read all the new latest Christian books, and yet their labor profits them nothing. Worry stunts their spiritual growth.

Some have counted over 3,000 promises in Scripture, and Matthew 6:33 is one of the greatest. Christ promises the disciples that if they made God’s kingdom and his righteousness their chief priority, all their needs would be met. The word “pursue” is a present imperative meaning that this must be one’s unceasing quest, not an occasional endeavor.5 When God’s kingdom and righteousness are our priority, God meets our needs, which ultimately delivers us from fear and worry.

When we pursue God’s kingdom and his righteousness, God meets our needs, which implies the opposite of this promise is also true. When we don’t pursue his kingdom, but instead neglect God and enjoy the world and sin, we will often lack. As in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, God often allows his wayward children to go away from him, enjoy sin, and reap the consequences of it. He allows them to experience lack until they come to their senses and return home (Luke 15). 

If we pray in every situation, if we bring our petitions (requests) before God in every situation, and if we give thanks in every situation, God will give us his peace. Worry often overwhelms us because we are not people of prayer—people who constantly pray in every situation. We pray only when things are bad and not when they are good. Or we pray when things are good and get mad at God when they are bad. Or we don’t pray at all. This type of person will lack peace. Sometimes we lack peace because we fail to bring our petitions before the Lord. We don’t ask for peace; we don’t ask for reconciliation in a difficult relationship. In addition, we don’t give thanks in all things. Instead we complain, worry, and get angry. We can’t receive God’s promise of peace in those situations.

Chapter 25 Questions

1. Page 187: Describe what it looks like to “ live at God’s pace ? How do we achieve this ”pace“?
2. Page 188: Discuss the difference between godly concern and sinful anxiety ?
3. Discuss the Mathematical formulas:
   • Concern + unbelief = anxiety
   • Concern + faith = biblical virtue
4. Page 189-190: Discuss “the four reasons“ Thrasher discovered that God wanted him to experience His peace.  Share thoughts , experiences.
5. Page 191-193: Discuss insights/thoughts on Thrasher’s sections on how to experience God’s peace .
6. Share scripture  verses, modifications to your life to decrease anxiety, and  experiences in dealing with anxiety in your life.

https://www.tyndale.com/sites/readthearc/5-reasons-you-should-pray-with-a-prayer-partner/

Whenever we pray—alone or with others—we must desire the answer that God, in his wisdom and love, knows best. The power of praying with one or two others lies in our corporate ability to discern God’s will. When we pray with others who also are submitting themselves to the will of God, we’re less likely to be deceived or to pray foolishly. Praying with a partner positions us to experience God’s greater wisdom and love as he choreographs our destinies with his loving providence.

Another reason why we should pray with a partner is to protect our prayers from selfishness. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he repeatedly used plural pronouns. This prayer is about us, not about me or you as individuals. Praying with a partner leads us down an unselfish path, helping to purge our prayers of self-centeredness.

We should pray with a partner because it brings unity of mind, spirit, and purpose among believers. What could be more unifying than finding common ground with another believer, possessing the same mind and voicing the same concerns? Here’s how Acts 2:1 describes the experience: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” These people, who were the recipients of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, were united in their prayers, and it brought power and results.

https://theboldmovement.com/journals/2020/6/17/the-power-of-a-prayer-partner

God’s word tells us in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”  The exact number of individuals gathered together is not as important as the content of your conversation. I personally have a small group of women in my life who share their heart, study the scriptures, and pray with and for one another. 

Find one or two women who love God, love His word, and want to live a life pleasing to our Father. Set a time and set a day of the week to come together. It doesn’t even have to be in person: maybe on the phone- a Zoom call, or on your computer- a private Facebook group. If this better fits your schedule, each person can log-on and pray with and for you when it best fits into their busy lifestyles. This may sound impersonal to you, but I know it works because this is how my prayer group is set up. If you need a more personal touch, ask one of the prayer partners to meet you for lunch to share what’s on your heart and to pray with you!

 Prayer partners help us to grow in our Christian walk and keep us accountable. If this is not happening with your partner, find one who will push you forward and closer to learning what God wants for your life and situation. It’s important to be like-minded and to have the same goal. Matthew 6:14 says, “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do.” So, choose wisely someone who is ready to help accomplish your earthly prayers by tapping into what God wants and His design for us!

Cast your cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7)

There are many places in Scripture that remind us that the cares and concerns of this world can become a burdensome load in our lives. ‘Independence’ proudly proclaims that it has built up a range of coping strategies and self-help skills to deal with all the stresses and strains of life, while ‘Pride’ arrogantly announces that it is well-able to go it alone – but the Word of God paints a very different picture.

We have been told by the Lord that we cannot manage our daily problems on our own, and this is a severe blow to our self-ego and fleshly-pride, which is rooted in the old sin nature. We are told that strength will be freely given, when we admit our weaknesses and inabilities, and we are charged to hand over all our cares and disappointments to the Lord, Who has promised to bear all our burdens because of His loving-kindness and tender mercy towards us.

All that is required of us is to admit, in humility if heart, our lack, and accept His gracious offer to cast all our cares on Him, knowing that He cares for us and is well able to give us help in time of need. When the cares and concerns of this world are given to the Lord in humility of heart, He pours into that life His peace that passes understanding, and we discover we have a godly wisdom, an enlarged faith, supernatural love, and His sufficient grace – despite the circumstances that hem us in on every side.

How do we cast our burdens on Him? How do we give Him our anxieties and concerns? Well, it all comes back to trusting all that the Lord has promised in His precious Word, and expecting Him to fulfil His Word. We are to expect Him to answer our prayer, but He will do so in His time and in His way – for our greater benefit and for His greater glory.

https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-peter-5/

True humility is shown by our ability to cast our care upon God. It is proud presumption to take things into our own worry and care about things that God has promised to take care of (Matthew 6:31-34).

7. If we would heed the command of 1 Peter 5:6 and truly humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, we would have far fewer cares to cast upon Him as invited in 1 Peter 5:7. Worries about covetousness, ambition, popularity, all evaporate under the command to humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.

Spurgeon used the illustration of a man who came to move your furniture, but he carried a huge and heavy backpack of his own. He complains that he finds it difficult to do the job of moving your furniture; would you not suggest that he would find it easier if he laid his own burden aside so that he could carry yours? In the same way, we cannot do God’s work when we are weighed down by our own burdens and worries. Cast them upon Him, and then take up the Lord’s burden – which is light burden, and a yoke that fits us perfectly.

Casting is a rather energetic word. He didn’t say, “Lay all your care upon Him,” because we have to do it more energetically than that. The idea is, “throw it away from you.” The pressures and the burdens of your life are so heavy and difficult that it takes great concentration of effort to put them on Jesus.

This work of casting can be so difficult that we need to use two hands to do it: the hand of prayer and the hand of faith. “Prayer tells God what the care is, and asks God to help, while faith believes that God can and will do it. Prayer spreads the letter of trouble and grief before the Lord, and opens ail its budget, and then faith cries, ‘I believe that God cares, and cares for me; I believe that he will bring me out of my distress, and make it promote his own glory.’” (Spurgeon)

https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/sparkling-gems/sparkling-gems-from-the-greek-week-of-april-16.html

….. I saw that the word “casting” used in 1 Peter 5:7 was the Greek word epiripto, a compound of the words epi and ripto. The word epi means upon, as on top of something. The word ripto means to hurl, to throw, or to cast, and it often means to violently throw or to fling something with great force.

Because of the Greek words used in First Peter 5:7, this verse carries the following idea:“Take that heavy burden, difficulty, or challenge you are carrying – the one that has arisen due to circumstances that have created hardship and struggles in your life – and fling those worries and anxieties over onto the back of the Lord! Let Him carry them for you! The Lord is extremely interested in every facet of your life and is genuinely concerned about your welfare.”

Experience God’s peace

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-sort-of-peace-does-jesus-offer.html

For many people, peace can mean the absence of conflict or trouble. While this is a definition of peace I don’t believe that is what Jesus was talking about here. This peace that Jesus was talking about means rest, quiet or a stillness in your heart. It is not the absence of trouble, but it exists in spite of trouble.

This peace pushes through all the disturbing circumstances that life can throw at you. It gives you the ability to endure and be calm even in the face of extreme turmoil. This peace doesn’t eliminate conflict or trouble, but gives you the ability to endure through it. Consider it an inner confidence that you know God will come through in this situation, and that removes your fear and worry and replaces it with peace.

The peace that Jesus gives is far different from that. It is not dependent on circumstances. This peace flows in the midst of persecution, trouble, disappointment, confusion, and anxiety. Jesus recognizes that he would not always remove you from the challenging situations of life. He never promised to do that. What he did promise is that in spite of the situations in life, he will give you peace. 

How can we accept the peace of Jesus ? “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).

However, the path to receiving this peace comes from giving every situation to God in prayer. When you do this, God’s peace crowds out anxiety in your life. In fact, this verse literally means that peace will stand guard and watch over your mind, fighting back and keeping out all potential feelings of anxiety.

This peace doesn’t mean the situation will resolve or dissipate. In fact, the situation could get worse. Yet regardless of what happens, if you follow this instruction and give it to God in prayer, then you will experience his peace. When this peace arrives, the need to be troubled or afraid departs.

Chapter Nine Questions

1. Pg 70    Share if you have had a prayer partner (s) and how it helped your prayer life .
2. Pg 72   “ As we seek to cast our cares upon the Lord we need to be alert to the times that God desires to work through others to aid us “ . Bill Thrasher. How has this been experienced in your prayer life ?
3. Pg 71    In the chapter the author mentions “ a  supernatural peace “,  and “ experience the peace that Jesus gives “ . What does this peace look like….and what it does not look like ?
4. How in your life has “the peace that Jesus gives “been experienced ?
5. Share insights from Chapter nine and from the notes .