The last two posts I’ve been processing this passage out of Philippians 4. It is a command from scripture that I’m really trying to apply in my life. I genuinely believe that it is the key to us living in peace.

One of the challenges that I have in seeking to obey God in this way is not knowing what to ask him. Do you ever feel like that? To be honest, a lot of times I don’t feel like my requests are very spiritual. They don’t really seem to be all that worthy of prayer. I know that God cares about how we feel and what we think, but it’s hard for me to pray sometimes for the silly stuff that I’m thinking about.

Another challenge I have in applying this passage is feeling like some things are worth being anxious about. I know this is stupid, but sometimes I feel like I should be anxious. I find myself trying to rationalize anxiety in certain situations. As miserable of a feeling as it is, I find myself strangely addicted to it. There is a feeling of control that goes along with it and sometimes I like that feeling. It feels safe and manageable.

I read a book a while back where the author describes a certain practice of Eskimos when it comes to killing wolves. An Eskimo will kill an animal and then dip a knife in the animal’s blood. He will then freeze the knife, creating a blood popsicle. He’ll then put the blood popsicle outside and wait for the wolf. The wolf will start licking this thing because of the irresistible taste and smell. The wolf will gradually start to cut his tongue on the knife, but he’ll just keep licking away because of the taste. Eventually, the wolf’s tongue is shredded and he will bleed to death because of this.

This is how it works when it comes to anxiety. We choose to worry and fret because of the feelings of safety and control. Our physical and emotional well-being suffers more and more, but we just keep licking away. We must learn how to live in peace and this passage gives us that open door.