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Peace That Guards – Replacing Anxiety with God’s Promises

by Susan Adeyemi

Part 6: Peace That Guards – Replacing Anxiety with God’s Promises

part 6 of 7 part series on Anxiety

By Susan Adeyemi, Christian Counsellor, Life Coach & Author

“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 (NIV)

Peace That Guards – Replacing Anxiety with God’s Promises

We’ve talked a lot in this series about the many faces of anxiety—its roots, its ripple effects, and its impact on our relationships. But now, as we conclude, we shift our focus from what anxiety does to what God offers in its place: peace.

And not just any peace.

Peace that guards. Peace that stands watch over our hearts and minds. Peace that doesn’t always make sense, but always holds us steady.

The Apostle Paul knew anxiety was part of the human condition. Yet he didn’t dismiss it—he gave us a God-centered way to respond to it. Let’s walk through Philippians 4:6–7 and explore how to actually replace anxiety with God’s promises—through daily rhythms of prayer, thanksgiving, and trust.

  1. Part 6: Peace That Guards – Replacing Anxiety with God’s Promises
    1. How to Replace Anxiety with God’s Promises
      1. 1. “Do Not Be Anxious About Anything” – Recognize the Battle
      2. 2. “But in Every Situation…” – Bring Everything to God
      3. 3. “By Prayer and Petition” – Develop a Dialogue, Not a Monologue
      4. 4. “With Thanksgiving…” – Anchor Your Heart in Gratitude
      5. 5. “Present Your Requests to God” – Practice Surrender, Not Striving
      6. 6. “And the Peace of God…” – Receive What Only He Can Give
    2. Making This Practical – Daily Habits to Cultivate God’s Peace
    3. Some Practical Steps and Resources for You
    4. Join the Conversation
    5. Related Articles

How to Replace Anxiety with God’s Promises

1. “Do Not Be Anxious About Anything” – Recognize the Battle

Paul starts with a bold command: Do not be anxious about anything.

At first glance, this can feel like a heavy burden. “Don’t be anxious? That’s easier said than done!” But this isn’t a denial of our humanity—it’s a call to lean on God rather than being consumed by fear.

This verse is an invitation to shift focus. Not by pretending we’re not anxious, but by recognizing when anxiety creeps in—and choosing not to let it take over.

Anxiety often begins with a what if.
Faith begins with a what is—God is with me, is for me, and is able.

2. “But in Every Situation…” – Bring Everything to God

Whether your anxiety stems from small daily pressures or deep, overwhelming fears, Paul says to bring everything to God.

We often try to manage anxiety by:

  • Overthinking
  • Venting to others
  • Distracting ourselves
  • Controlling the outcome

But Scripture says the first and best step is to present it to God.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

No detail is too small. No fear is too foolish. God doesn’t roll His eyes at your concerns—He invites them. He is not overwhelmed by what overwhelms you.

3. “By Prayer and Petition” – Develop a Dialogue, Not a Monologue

Prayer isn’t just handing God a list. It’s entering into a relationship—one where we pour out our hearts, listen to His voice, and receive His comfort.

“Petition” refers to specific requests. So be specific:

  • “God, I’m afraid of this job interview. Please calm my nerves.”
  • “Lord, I feel inadequate as a parent. Strengthen me today.”
  • “Father, I don’t know how to fix this relationship. Give me wisdom.”

You don’t need perfect words. You just need a willing heart.

4. “With Thanksgiving…” – Anchor Your Heart in Gratitude

Gratitude changes everything.

When we thank God in the middle of our anxiety, we’re reminding our soul of what is still true:

  • He has been faithful before.
  • He is still in control.
  • He will not abandon us now.

Thanksgiving shifts our posture from fear to faith. It doesn’t deny what’s hard—but it exalts what’s unchanging.

Gratitude also softens our hearts. When anxiety makes us tense, thanksgiving opens us up to the Spirit’s comfort.

5. “Present Your Requests to God” – Practice Surrender, Not Striving

There is a difference between praying about your anxiety and truly releasing it to God.

We often pray, and then pick the burden back up. But Paul says to present your requests—meaning to lay them before God with open hands.

Surrender is not a one-time act. It’s a daily rhythm:

  • I choose not to hold this.
  • I trust God to carry it.
  • I choose peace over panic.

6. “And the Peace of God…” – Receive What Only He Can Give

Here’s the promise: When we pray, petition, and give thanks—God exchanges our anxiety for peace.

Not peace based on outcomes.
Not peace that depends on everything going right.
But His peace.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” — Isaiah 26:3

God’s peace is protective. It guards your heart (your emotions) and your mind (your thoughts). When you trust Him, anxiety loses its grip. Fear loses its voice.

Making This Practical – Daily Habits to Cultivate God’s Peace

Here are a few ways to put Philippians 4:6–7 into practice each day:

  • Start your day in prayer. Before checking your phone or to-do list, check in with God.
  • Keep a gratitude journal. Write down 3 things you’re thankful for every day.
  • Pray in real time. When anxiety hits, don’t wait—turn it into a prayer.
  • Speak Scripture aloud. Let God’s Word speak louder than your fear.
  • Practice Sabbath rest. Build regular rhythms of slowing down and trusting God.

These aren’t formulas—they’re invitations to anchor your life in the One who holds all things together.

Some Practical Steps and Resources for You

Use the prompts below to review how anxiety may be affecting your life and re-shaping your mind.

  • How have you seen anxiety affect your daily life and relationships?
  • Which part of Philippians 4:6–7 speaks most to you today?
  • How can you begin practicing trust and thanksgiving in a deeper way?

Use the “ANXIETY AWARENESS CHECKLIST” to practically assess where anxiety is ruling your daily life; affecting your emotions and impacting your thoughts ad behaviours.

Join the Conversation

Have you walked through a season of anxiety and found God’s peace to be real?
Or are you still learning to lay down fear and pick up faith?

Share your story or thoughts in the comments. Your voice matters—and someone else might need your testimony to find strength for their own journey.

And if this series has blessed you, consider sharing it with a friend or family member who may be silently struggling.

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11

You are not alone. You are not powerless.
God has given you a peace that is greater than your understanding—greater than your anxiety—because it comes from Him.

May His peace guard your heart and mind today, and every day.

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About the Author
Susan is a professional who works in business and organisational restructuring. However, over the past 6 years, she’s felt a heavy ministerial burden to reach the wounded through God’s word. After being in an abusive relationship, she sought the face of the Lord concerning how to repurpose her pain for the benefit of God’s kingdom. She believes she has been called into a unique position to reach out to people, particularly those who find themselves in wrong relationships. She wants you to know that God hears your prayers. He wants to encourage you to not give up or give in. He wants to heal the brokenhearted and restore you to your rightful place. He wants to bind up your wounds and strengthen you in His love and set you free. To keep up, follow my social media pages. Feel free to contact me below and sign up for our weekly letters.

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