Our society mass-produces anxiety, tension, stress, and depression. God has given us the authority to dismiss all these things from our minds by an act of our will. However, there's more to it. We must present our "needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude" (Phil 4:6). In this way, we don't just "think positively," but actually change the circumstances which contribute to our anxieties.

Furthermore, to be permanently free from anxiety, we must accept God's order, His shalom-peace, into our lives (Phil 4:7). This will guard our hearts and minds by giving us a point of reference by which to decide if something belongs in our lives.

Finally, permanent freedom from anxiety not only depends on guarding against bad influences. We must also wholly direct our thoughts "to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise" (Phil 4:8).

In Jesus, we have authority over anxiety. We exercise this authority through prayer, peace, and focusing on what is true, pure, and godly. In Jesus, we can be the most carefree, peaceful, and happy people in the world.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 1, 2008

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