Sermon Notes: I'm Putting Anxiousness Under Arrest
There’s a difference between anxiety and anxiousness.
“Arresting Anxiousness” – Part 1 by Dr. Dharius Daniels
Key Scripture:
Philippians 4:4–7 (NIV)
"Rejoice in the Lord always... Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God... And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Main Points & Flow of the Sermon
1️⃣ The Most Frequent Command in the Bible: “Fear Not”
Over 300+ mentions throughout Scripture
Not because God is nervous, but because we are
Fear is an inclination of the soul — not always a circumstance
“We’re wasting good days anticipating a bad day that never becomes our today.”
“God says ‘fear not’ over 300 times. That means He knew we’d need the reminder.”
Reflection: What fears have I normalized that God keeps telling me to release?2️⃣ Anxiousness vs. Anxiety
Anxiety (clinical)
Rooted in biology, trauma, chemistry
Requires therapy, medication, support
Not always within your control
Anxiousness (spiritual)
Rooted in fear and orientation of the soul
Requires spiritual disciplines and soul work
Often can be redirected through practice and prayer
“Anxiety might be clinical. But anxiousness is spiritual — and manageable.”
Reflection: How have I been treating anxiousness like a personality trait instead of a soul condition?3️⃣ Anxiousness is a Soul Issue
You can go to sleep and wake up tired if your soul is restless
You can go on vacation and still come back exhausted
Jesus promises rest for your soul — not just for your schedule
“You can sleep and still be tired. Because soul rest is different.”
Reflection: Where do I need soul rest that sleep can’t fix?4️⃣ Kingdom vs Culture
Anxiousness may be normal in culture but doesn’t have to be normal in the Kingdom
Philippians were surrounded by tension and pressure, yet Paul says “Be anxious for nothing”
This isn’t denial — it’s about how much influence you give your circumstances
“Anxiousness might be normal in the world — but it doesn’t have to be my normal.”
Reflection: How am I conforming to cultural anxiety instead of Kingdom peace?5️⃣ Paul Wrote Philippians… From Prison
He's not writing from comfort — he’s writing from Rome, in prison, to encourage people in Philippi
But he says: “I’m not letting what I’m in get in me.”
Your peace isn’t tied to your place — it’s tied to a person (Jesus, the Prince of Peace)
Reflection: Where might God be using my current discomfort as a testimony?6️⃣ The Peace of God… Guards You
Paul uses the Greek word “phroureō” — military term meaning to garrison or guard
Peace is not just a feeling — it’s a spiritual asset that can block anxiousness from taking root
Peace walks with you, encircles you, and protects your heart and mind
“Peace isn’t passive. It’s a military-grade guard for your soul.”
Reflection: What would it look like for me to let peace “stand guard” this week?🔐 Four Practices That Help Arrest Anxiousness
(Only 2 covered in Part 1; the rest in Part 2)
🔑 1. Address Your Interpretations
“The anxiousness is not from the event — it’s from how you interpret the event.”
“It’s not the event that’s stressing you. It’s the meaning you assigned to it.”
Many of us are stressed not by what happened, but by what we think it means
Paul interprets prison as temporary: “I’ll see you shortly” — that’s hope in action
Interpretation creates the soul’s reality
What assumptions am I making about my current situation that may not be true?
Am I projecting worst-case scenarios, or believing God's promises?
How can I reframe my situation through the lens of faith?🔑 2. Express Intentional Appreciation
(aka the spiritual discipline of gratitude)
Paul says: “Rejoice in the Lord always... Again I say rejoice”
Gratitude is not reactive — it’s proactive and powerful
“Anxiousness doesn’t come because your problems are too big. It comes because your God feels too small.”
Rejoicing shifts perspective
It magnifies God, not the problem (Psalm 34:3 — “Oh magnify the Lord with me”)
What three things am I grateful for today — even if I’m still waiting?
How often do I praise God just because He’s good, not because life is?
How can I train my soul to rejoice — even before the breakthrough?The thing about peace:
Peace is a Person → Stay close to the Prince of Peace
Praise is a Weapon → It brings God’s presence into your situation
Perspective is Power → How you frame things determines how you feel things
Peace is a Protector → When invited, it stands guard over your soul
Philippians 4 on BibleRef: https://www.bibleref.com/Philippians/4/Philippians-4-4.htmlBibleProject: Words of Encouragement https://bibleproject.com/bible/nlt/philippians/4/✨ Reflection Questions
What “interpretations” am I making right now that may be fueling anxiousness?
Where have I allowed a situation to have more influence than it should?
How can I build a more consistent practice of gratitude this week?
What’s one area I need to remind myself: “This is what it is… but it won’t stay this way”?
Where do I need to stop denying the reality — and start denying its power?