“Do not worry about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6–7

Not too long ago, I was struggling with anxiety, fear and depression. I was trying so hard to keep everything together and perfect—motherhood, marriage, career, household, health, volunteer responsibilities, friendships, and even religion. Not only was I failing miserably, but I was missing out on God’s great gift of grace.

It is through this grace, I have learned, that we can truly have a peace that surpasses all our human understanding. God’s love for us is immeasurable, and there’s nothing we can do to earn it. He didn’t send his only Son to die on the cross so that we would eke out an existence of fear and overwhelming helplessness. Quite the opposite! Jesus died on the cross so that we may live abundantly. He is with us every single day and is constantly revealing the joy he has to offer. We just have to quit relying on ourselves so much and open our hearts to him.

Dear God, thank you for the grace you offer me at this moment. Deliver me from self-doubt and fear. I lift it all up to you, Lord. During this season of Lent, help me remember what Martin Luther said, “A man must despair of himself completely to become fit to obtain the grace of Christ.” Amen.

Shannon Peterson