Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing. but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” The fruit is in verse 7. If we release our anxiety to the Lord, “…the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Anxiety results when our thoughts are focused on our inadequacy rather than God’s ability. The truth is that self-effort always fails in the end. Asa recognized how powerless they were. He cried out to the only One who could intervene.

Anxiety often begins with just one thought. If we entertain that thought, physical feelings will emerge. Our sympathetic nervous system kicks into fight or flight. However at the moment of feeling anxiety, we can quell it through thanksgiving. Psalm 22:3 says that God enthrones Himself through our praise. Praise brings the tangible Presence of the Lord.