Keep Your Cool
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:4-6
Growing up, I used to play tennis during the summer. I enjoyed watching tennis as well, particularly Wimbledon. One of my favorite players was the Swede Bjorn Borg. Bjorg had one of the greatest runs in the history of the sport, winning 11 Grand Slam tournaments, including five successive Wimbledon titles, before his unexpected retirement at age 25. Bjorg was different. He had long golden hair, played with a wooden racket, and donned matching headband and wristbands. Yet, one characteristic that made Bjorg stand out was his ability to stay cool under pressure. So cool, in fact, that his resting heart rate was said to be 29 beats per minute (comparable to an elephant). This superhuman trait allowed Bjorg to stay calm during stressful situations.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he exhorts Christians to take on a Bjorn-like mentality when difficult situations arise. Of course, there’s a notable difference between the source of Bjorn’s ability to ward off anxiety and ours. Much of Bjorg’s cool headedness is attributed to his genetic giftedness. Paul, on the other hand, says that Christians should rely upon God for their strength. To do this, Paul stresses the importance of prayer. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Doing so will bring joy (Philippians 4:4), and peace (Philippians 4:7).
What is the one thing that is making you feel anxious today? Whatever it is, Paul would encourage you to let God know about it. Tell Him how you feel; share your concern with Him. “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, New Living Translation)
O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
“The Book of Common Prayer,” p. 832
