January 13th, 2025
by Dr. Josh Franklin
by Dr. Josh Franklin
Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is… peace.
WNBA player, Caitlin Clark, has just been named “Athlete of the Year” by Time Magazine.[1] She is a remarkable basketball player, and she has elevated the interest in women’s basketball to new heights. Last year, when she was still playing college basketball, interest in her tournament games exceeded that of the men’s tournament. The women’s championship game, which included Clark, broke records with 19 million viewers – 5 million more than the men’s title game. That’s a huge leap from past years, where the average viewership hovered around 4 million.
And, of course, the star of the show was Caitlin Clark—one of the greatest collegiate basketball players of all time. She broke Pete Maravich’s scoring record with her phenomenal play throughout the tournament. The pressure on her was immense. Early on, when the games were in Iowa, she struggled a bit and admitted, “I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.” But as the tournament progressed and the team left their home court, she found her rhythm. In the championship, she dropped 18 points in just the first quarter, though her team ultimately fell short of the title.
After the game, she shared some wisdom from her coach: “Pressure is a privilege.” Her coach acknowledged the reality of pressure but reframed it as something earned—something that comes when you've reached a level of excellence where expectations are high. Pressure builds when everyone is hoping or anticipating greatness.
In sports, we often talk about being “clutch”—the ability to perform at your best when it matters most, in those final moments. Think about athletes like Tom Brady or Michael Jordan, who consistently rise to the occasion under the highest stakes. On the flip side, we sometimes see players “choke,” where fear or anxiety gets the better of them. I remember when one of my boys was playing YMCA basketball. During practice, the team would chant “Pressure, pressure, pressure!” when someone was shooting free throws, mimicking the tension of a real game. It was a way to get used to performing under stress, because that’s the true test: Can you deliver when it counts?
Most of us won’t have 19 million people watching us in a high-stakes moment, but we still face pressure every day—financial pressures, family conflicts, health concerns, or uncertainty about the future. A recent statistic said 65% of Americans lose sleep due to financial worries. Maybe you’re facing that kind of pressure right now, questioning if you’ll make it through, if your retirement will last, if your health will hold up, or what tomorrow might bring. It’s easy to let anxiety and fear take over as the pressure mounts.
But God’s Word calls us to something different. While the world is anxious, God’s people are called to peace. Jesus said, “In this world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He’s not saying to disregard the problems or pressures out there, but rather that you can be peaceful in the midst of the pressure.
There was a global emotional report that found Americans, generally speaking, experience high levels of worry and anxiety—45% of Americans feel this more than people in most other countries. And you think, "This is the greatest country on planet Earth; why would we be so fearful?"
God’s Word teaches that we can experience peace in three areas.
First, we can have PEACE WITH GOD. Romans 5:1 tells us, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace between holy God and sinful man is only by the blood of Jesus. Our salvation brings us together with God, and there is peace.
Second, we can have PEACE WITH OTHERS. Ephesians 2:11-22 speaks of reconciliation between people. As Christians grow closer to God, we also grow closer to one another, and there is peace between people.
Third, we can have the PEACE OF GOD. Philippians 4:4-9 provides a roadmap for experiencing the peace of God. This is not the absence of problems or pressure. It is knowing God is on the throne, and we are at rest even while experiencing problems or pressure.
Philippians, chapter four, gives us keys to peace. It’s interesting that the word “worry” comes from a German word - wyrgen - that means "to choke" or "to strangle." What does it strangle? Peace. Joy.
God’s people shouldn’t bury their heads in the sand, pretending there are no problems. But in the midst of pressure, worry, and fear, we can live peacefully. God gives us three practices in this passage to help us experience His peace. Let’s walk through them.
How to Experience Peace Under Pressure
Stay Prayerful
Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." The answer to anxiety is prayer—dependence upon God. But notice how Paul begins in verse four: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice."
How can we rejoice? Because we are in the Lord. If you have nothing else to be joyful about, remember that you’re a believer. Jesus has overcome the world, and you can have peace because you have peace with God. If you don’t have peace anywhere else, you have peace with God. Rejoice in the Lord!
Verse five says, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." That phrase means "the Lord is near." We are peaceful in His presence, knowing that our God hears and answers prayer.
Stay Positive
We need to realize there’s an eternal perspective to keep in mind. No matter how challenging today might feel, this moment is fleeting compared to all of eternity in the presence of God. With that perspective, you can stay positive. Christians should be the most positive people in the world because our future is secure.
Paul gives us steps for staying positive. Look at verse six: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Notice that phrase: “with thanksgiving.” He’s telling us to pray about our concerns, but to also throw in some "hallelujahs." Let God know you’re thankful for Him and for His work.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It doesn’t say only to give thanks in the good times, but in everything. Why? Because even in the hardest moments, you can see God at work.
Ephesians 5:20 takes it further. It says we’re to “give thanks for all things.” You might ask, "How can I give thanks for this situation?" Romans 8:28 gives the answer: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God can use your situation in a powerful way if you trust Him.
Sometimes, it feels like we’re losing ground, but I like to imagine a slingshot. If you take a picture of the moment the slingshot is pulled back, it looks like it’s going backward. Yet, once it’s released, it flies forward faster and farther than it ever could without the tension. In the same way, you don’t know what God is preparing to do in your life through this challenging situation.
Consider the story of the three Hebrew children in Daniel chapter three. They were thrown into the fiery furnace. We wouldn’t know their story if it weren’t for the fire, for the pressure, for the difficulty. God received greater glory by delivering them in the fire than He would have by preventing them from going into it. So today, if you feel like you’re in the fire, remember this: God is with you. “The Lord is at hand.”
Another way to stay positive is found in verse eight. Paul tells us what to meditate on: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
You might think, "I don’t know how to meditate." But if you know how to worry, you know how to meditate. Worry is focusing on a problem, constantly turning it over in your mind. Meditation is focusing on God’s promises and His power to meet that problem.
Think about a cow chewing its cud or a dog working on a bone. They don’t stop; they keep at it, little by little. That’s what meditation is—constantly going over God’s promises in your mind. As you do, God’s power becomes magnified in your heart, and the problem begins to shrink.
Many of the things we worry about aren’t even real. Studies show that:
- 40% of worries are about things that will never happen.
- 30% are about the past—things that can’t be changed.
- 12% are criticisms from others, most of which are untrue.
- 10% are about health, and worrying only makes health worse.
- That leaves just 8% of worries that are real problems to face.
Instead of focusing on those worries, focus on God. Turn off the 24-hour news cycle that stirs up fear and anxiety. Focus instead on God’s Word. Meditate on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. Recite God’s promises. Verse seven says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
That word “guard” is a military term. Picture a castle, with God’s peace surrounding your heart and mind like a fortress. You might not even understand why you’re at peace, but you are—because it’s God’s supernatural peace.
Stay Purposeful
Sometimes, we worry because it’s easier than taking action. But Paul says, "Do what you’ve seen me do." Philippians 4:9 says, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Paul is saying, "If you need an example, follow me."
Remember, Paul wrote this letter while in prison. The Philippians were concerned about him, yet he was telling them to follow his example of faith and peace under pressure.
Take the steps you can. Break down the problem into small steps and take action.
Sometimes, the hardest part is letting go of the worry and taking it to the Lord. Don’t hold onto it. Don’t simply talk to friends or family about it. They might offer temporary relief, but they’re not the solution. Instead, take it to God: "Lord, here’s what’s weighing on my heart again today. Please help me. Thank You for how You’ve helped me in the past. I’m still standing. I’m still here. You’ve been faithful, and I trust You’ll be faithful again."
There’s a place about 15–20 feet beneath the ocean’s surface that oceanographers call "the cushion of the sea." No matter how violent the storm above, the water below remains calm. That’s what the peace of God is like. A.T. Pierson described it this way: “The peace of God is that eternal calm which lies far too deep in the praying, trusting soul to be disturbed by any external circumstance.”
Do you want that peace? It doesn’t mean the storm won’t happen. It means you’ll be insulated from it. Stay prayerful, stay positive, and stay purposeful. And as you do, God promises His peace will guard your heart and mind.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that only You can provide. Help me to carry Your peace throughout my day. May I be a light to others, showing them the peace that comes from knowing You. Empower me to remain prayerful, positive, and purposeful in all I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
[1] https://time.com/7200904/athlete-of-the-year-2024-caitlin-clark/
WNBA player, Caitlin Clark, has just been named “Athlete of the Year” by Time Magazine.[1] She is a remarkable basketball player, and she has elevated the interest in women’s basketball to new heights. Last year, when she was still playing college basketball, interest in her tournament games exceeded that of the men’s tournament. The women’s championship game, which included Clark, broke records with 19 million viewers – 5 million more than the men’s title game. That’s a huge leap from past years, where the average viewership hovered around 4 million.
And, of course, the star of the show was Caitlin Clark—one of the greatest collegiate basketball players of all time. She broke Pete Maravich’s scoring record with her phenomenal play throughout the tournament. The pressure on her was immense. Early on, when the games were in Iowa, she struggled a bit and admitted, “I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.” But as the tournament progressed and the team left their home court, she found her rhythm. In the championship, she dropped 18 points in just the first quarter, though her team ultimately fell short of the title.
After the game, she shared some wisdom from her coach: “Pressure is a privilege.” Her coach acknowledged the reality of pressure but reframed it as something earned—something that comes when you've reached a level of excellence where expectations are high. Pressure builds when everyone is hoping or anticipating greatness.
In sports, we often talk about being “clutch”—the ability to perform at your best when it matters most, in those final moments. Think about athletes like Tom Brady or Michael Jordan, who consistently rise to the occasion under the highest stakes. On the flip side, we sometimes see players “choke,” where fear or anxiety gets the better of them. I remember when one of my boys was playing YMCA basketball. During practice, the team would chant “Pressure, pressure, pressure!” when someone was shooting free throws, mimicking the tension of a real game. It was a way to get used to performing under stress, because that’s the true test: Can you deliver when it counts?
Most of us won’t have 19 million people watching us in a high-stakes moment, but we still face pressure every day—financial pressures, family conflicts, health concerns, or uncertainty about the future. A recent statistic said 65% of Americans lose sleep due to financial worries. Maybe you’re facing that kind of pressure right now, questioning if you’ll make it through, if your retirement will last, if your health will hold up, or what tomorrow might bring. It’s easy to let anxiety and fear take over as the pressure mounts.
But God’s Word calls us to something different. While the world is anxious, God’s people are called to peace. Jesus said, “In this world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He’s not saying to disregard the problems or pressures out there, but rather that you can be peaceful in the midst of the pressure.
There was a global emotional report that found Americans, generally speaking, experience high levels of worry and anxiety—45% of Americans feel this more than people in most other countries. And you think, "This is the greatest country on planet Earth; why would we be so fearful?"
God’s Word teaches that we can experience peace in three areas.
First, we can have PEACE WITH GOD. Romans 5:1 tells us, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace between holy God and sinful man is only by the blood of Jesus. Our salvation brings us together with God, and there is peace.
Second, we can have PEACE WITH OTHERS. Ephesians 2:11-22 speaks of reconciliation between people. As Christians grow closer to God, we also grow closer to one another, and there is peace between people.
Third, we can have the PEACE OF GOD. Philippians 4:4-9 provides a roadmap for experiencing the peace of God. This is not the absence of problems or pressure. It is knowing God is on the throne, and we are at rest even while experiencing problems or pressure.
Philippians, chapter four, gives us keys to peace. It’s interesting that the word “worry” comes from a German word - wyrgen - that means "to choke" or "to strangle." What does it strangle? Peace. Joy.
God’s people shouldn’t bury their heads in the sand, pretending there are no problems. But in the midst of pressure, worry, and fear, we can live peacefully. God gives us three practices in this passage to help us experience His peace. Let’s walk through them.
How to Experience Peace Under Pressure
Stay Prayerful
Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." The answer to anxiety is prayer—dependence upon God. But notice how Paul begins in verse four: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice."
How can we rejoice? Because we are in the Lord. If you have nothing else to be joyful about, remember that you’re a believer. Jesus has overcome the world, and you can have peace because you have peace with God. If you don’t have peace anywhere else, you have peace with God. Rejoice in the Lord!
Verse five says, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." That phrase means "the Lord is near." We are peaceful in His presence, knowing that our God hears and answers prayer.
Stay Positive
We need to realize there’s an eternal perspective to keep in mind. No matter how challenging today might feel, this moment is fleeting compared to all of eternity in the presence of God. With that perspective, you can stay positive. Christians should be the most positive people in the world because our future is secure.
Paul gives us steps for staying positive. Look at verse six: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Notice that phrase: “with thanksgiving.” He’s telling us to pray about our concerns, but to also throw in some "hallelujahs." Let God know you’re thankful for Him and for His work.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It doesn’t say only to give thanks in the good times, but in everything. Why? Because even in the hardest moments, you can see God at work.
Ephesians 5:20 takes it further. It says we’re to “give thanks for all things.” You might ask, "How can I give thanks for this situation?" Romans 8:28 gives the answer: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God can use your situation in a powerful way if you trust Him.
Sometimes, it feels like we’re losing ground, but I like to imagine a slingshot. If you take a picture of the moment the slingshot is pulled back, it looks like it’s going backward. Yet, once it’s released, it flies forward faster and farther than it ever could without the tension. In the same way, you don’t know what God is preparing to do in your life through this challenging situation.
Consider the story of the three Hebrew children in Daniel chapter three. They were thrown into the fiery furnace. We wouldn’t know their story if it weren’t for the fire, for the pressure, for the difficulty. God received greater glory by delivering them in the fire than He would have by preventing them from going into it. So today, if you feel like you’re in the fire, remember this: God is with you. “The Lord is at hand.”
Another way to stay positive is found in verse eight. Paul tells us what to meditate on: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
You might think, "I don’t know how to meditate." But if you know how to worry, you know how to meditate. Worry is focusing on a problem, constantly turning it over in your mind. Meditation is focusing on God’s promises and His power to meet that problem.
Think about a cow chewing its cud or a dog working on a bone. They don’t stop; they keep at it, little by little. That’s what meditation is—constantly going over God’s promises in your mind. As you do, God’s power becomes magnified in your heart, and the problem begins to shrink.
Many of the things we worry about aren’t even real. Studies show that:
- 40% of worries are about things that will never happen.
- 30% are about the past—things that can’t be changed.
- 12% are criticisms from others, most of which are untrue.
- 10% are about health, and worrying only makes health worse.
- That leaves just 8% of worries that are real problems to face.
Instead of focusing on those worries, focus on God. Turn off the 24-hour news cycle that stirs up fear and anxiety. Focus instead on God’s Word. Meditate on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. Recite God’s promises. Verse seven says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
That word “guard” is a military term. Picture a castle, with God’s peace surrounding your heart and mind like a fortress. You might not even understand why you’re at peace, but you are—because it’s God’s supernatural peace.
Stay Purposeful
Sometimes, we worry because it’s easier than taking action. But Paul says, "Do what you’ve seen me do." Philippians 4:9 says, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Paul is saying, "If you need an example, follow me."
Remember, Paul wrote this letter while in prison. The Philippians were concerned about him, yet he was telling them to follow his example of faith and peace under pressure.
Take the steps you can. Break down the problem into small steps and take action.
Sometimes, the hardest part is letting go of the worry and taking it to the Lord. Don’t hold onto it. Don’t simply talk to friends or family about it. They might offer temporary relief, but they’re not the solution. Instead, take it to God: "Lord, here’s what’s weighing on my heart again today. Please help me. Thank You for how You’ve helped me in the past. I’m still standing. I’m still here. You’ve been faithful, and I trust You’ll be faithful again."
There’s a place about 15–20 feet beneath the ocean’s surface that oceanographers call "the cushion of the sea." No matter how violent the storm above, the water below remains calm. That’s what the peace of God is like. A.T. Pierson described it this way: “The peace of God is that eternal calm which lies far too deep in the praying, trusting soul to be disturbed by any external circumstance.”
Do you want that peace? It doesn’t mean the storm won’t happen. It means you’ll be insulated from it. Stay prayerful, stay positive, and stay purposeful. And as you do, God promises His peace will guard your heart and mind.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that only You can provide. Help me to carry Your peace throughout my day. May I be a light to others, showing them the peace that comes from knowing You. Empower me to remain prayerful, positive, and purposeful in all I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
[1] https://time.com/7200904/athlete-of-the-year-2024-caitlin-clark/
Posted in Spirit-Filled Living
Dr. Josh Franklin
Recent
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments