Just a few weeks ago we were celebrating a booming economy, record unemployment lows and record stock market highs. Then we began to hear reports about a virus referred to as the Coronavirus somewhere in China, but that was too far for us to worry about. Now fast forward just a few weeks and the U.S. government declares the Coronavirus a national emergency, the World Health Organization declares the virus a global pandemic and in an unforeseen instant the economy comes to a complete halt. Many are left unemployed and the markets dramatically fall. And, even though we know this crisis will eventually end the question is, what should we do in the meantime? 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

The first thing that the Apostle Paul instructs us to do is to not be anxious. To which we would be inclined to respond, “walk in my shoes and then tell me not to be anxious.” But let me remind you that Paul wrote these instructions while he was unjustly imprisoned and awaiting a possible death sentence for preaching the Gospel. Second, he instructed us to pray, but not our typical prayer. He instructed us to present our requests to God. The word present that Paul uses means to uncover or unveil, in other words through prayer let God know what the root of your request is. You may be praying for healing but the question is, why? Maybe you’re praying for a miracle in your marriage, why? Or maybe it’s a financial miracle and again, the question is, why? 

In our areas of anxiety there’s always a hidden fear and it’s fear that causes us to be anxious. So, in order to eliminate anxiety, we first have to deal with the underlying fear.  And, the way to do so is to “present” our request to God by revealing to Him our deepest fears. Why do I want God to heal me? Because I fear dying. Why do I want God to heal my marriage? Because I fear being alone. And, why do I want God to grant me a financial miracle? Because I fear losing everything. Yes, you should bring all of your petitions to God. But if you want to eliminate anxiety then present to God your deepest fears. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts (emotions) and your minds (thoughts) in Christ Jesus. – Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:7 NIV)