The word anxious comes from two Greek words, meaning "to tear or to divide the mind," and is typically translated into three English words—worry, anxious, care. It's the word Jesus chose when He said, "Do not worry about your life" (Matthew 6:25), and again when He spoke to Martha in Luke 10:41.

Dividing the mind is an apt description of anxiety—it's the division between legitimate and destructive thoughts. Anxiety pulls the mind in two different directions, tearing it apart.

I want to point you to two of the most significant verses in the New Testament that speak to our mental health: Philippians 4:6-7. You may even know them by heart.

"Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus."

Perhaps some of you read that and thought, "Oh, well, that's nice. It's simplistic. It's naive. But it's nice." It may be simple, but it's not simplistic. Most truths, you will discover, are simple and clear. Simple, but needful. Some of us are stuck in verse 6. We live in a world of worry and anxiety, anxious thoughts and stress. We never get past it.

But I also believe it's a radical truth. If you can get out of the first part of verse 6, into the second part, and into verse 7, it could revolutionize your life.

The Bible offers you a way beyond anxiety. "Be anxious for nothing" is a command. Jesus tells us not to worry in Matthew 6:25-34. He teaches us that worry is out of character for a child of God.

Always being anxious and worried displays a lack of trust in God's ability to care for you. Our Father feeds the birds (v. 26). He will take care of His children.

What good has worry ever offered you? It's like a rocking chair—there's a lot of movement, but you'll never get anywhere. Worry is unproductive (see v. 27).

Prayer is the solution (Philippians 4:6b). "Casting all your care upon Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Don't carry your cares—cast your cares. Replace your anxiety with prayer.

Prayer can be worship. Remember: Worship weakens worry, but worry weakens worship. And don't forget thanksgiving. Thank God for His promises for the future and for His provision.

And "let your requests be made known to God." You don't inform God when you pray. You are conformed to God when you pray. Prayer is an opportunity to voice your weaknesses and your dependence.

Here's the promise—Jesus as Savior brings peace with God, but Jesus as Lord brings the peace of God (see Philippians 4:7). It's that tranquil feeling of confidence—of knowing everything is going to be okay because God is in control.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite verses: Isaiah 26:3. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."