Anyone who has been following the news for the last few years will know that anxiety is on the rise in the UK, especially amongst young people. Doubtless, there are many reasons for this, ranging from global affairs like the climate, to the individual stresses each person encounters in daily life.
There are many ways of coping with anxiety and, for some, professional help may be not just beneficial but necessary. In our Philippians reading, Paul gives his advice to the anxious. Whenever we are anxious, whatever we are anxious about, Paul tells us to pray about it and ask God for whatever we want to come out of the situation. He reminds us to combine our prayer with thanksgiving, and indeed, the link between practising gratitude and reduced anxiety has been repeatedly demonstrated. Lastly, he tells us to remember the peace we enjoy with God. Whatever may happen, however we may feel about it, we are at peace with God through the work of Jesus. He will care for us, come what may.