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May 20, 2026 06:00am

Overwhelmed by Fear? Here’s Where True Peace Is Found

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It was almost time for Spring Break, and we were planning a trip to Ponca. This is a beautiful place in the Ozark Mountains with countless picturesque waterfalls and scenic overlooks. There are lots of trails to hike with beautiful rewards at the end. But the paths can be treacherous.

The first part of the trail wasn’t too bad. It was a small dirt path that had been well worn by hikers for some time. All around, you could take in the beauty of nature. As we climbed higher and higher, I could hear the kids laughing, roughhousing, and goofing off. I smiled, but inside, my heart was overwhelmed.

Instead of joy, excitement, and fun, I was filled with constant fear and worry.

With every step we took, scenarios played out in my mind of someone slipping and falling off the side of the cliff. I tried to remain calm. I kept telling myself to just keep my eyes on the trail.

By the time we reached the waterfall, I was shaking.

Philippians 4:6–7
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”

Inside, I want to say, “Yeah, well, Paul, that’s easier said than done.” But Paul of all people knew what it was like to have worries. He had people wanting to argue with him, beat him, even kill him because of his stand for Christ and the Gospel. And where was he as he wrote this letter?

In prison.

Paul, by all accounts, had reason to worry. And yet, he gave encouragement to the believers at Philippi.

Turn your worries into prayers. And the perfect peace of Christ will fill and guard your heart and mind.

This is what I should have been doing on that trail. Instead of allowing my mind to wander down every scary path filled with fear and anxiety, I should have fixed my eyes on Christ and prayed.

Are you searching for peace? Does worry, fear, or anxiety control your thoughts, heart, and life?

Look to Jesus.

He had been betrayed. His time was coming when He would be arrested. He knew what that would entail. He understood how the Romans treated their prisoners and what crucifixion would bring.

What did He choose to do?

Pray.

He begged God if there were any other way, let that happen instead. But if there wasn’t, if this was the only way to save people from their sins, He was willing.

When worry and fear start to creep in, pray to Jesus. He was victorious over sin and He alone can give us victory too!

The peace that passes all understanding.

Do you know Him? Let me share more with you about Jesus. Go to follow.lifeword.org to learn more about who He is and the life He offers you. There’s nothing more important in this world than the moment you meet Jesus.