When stress and anxiety hit, knowing how to respond can change everything. For the godly husband and father, Philippians 4:6–9 offers a map from panic to peace—and a promise you can lean on.

#1 Do not be anxious about anything (v. 6). Life can hit hard. Stress shows up in many ways—short fuses, weight gain or loss, tension, sleepless nights, and high blood pressure. The world offers countless “fixes”—just have a drink, go for a run, take this med, or do this breathing exercise. Paul gives a better way—PRAYER. Stress festers when we try to control what we can’t. Peace starts when you give it to God—depending on Him instead of yourself.

#2 The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (v. 7). The answer to anxiety isn’t control—it’s the peace of God. Paul describes this peace in three ways. First, it’s divine—not tied to perfect circumstances. Second, it transcends understanding—it calms us even when life doesn’t make sense. Finally, God’s peace guards our hearts and minds like a soldier on watch—guarding against worry and fear. Prayerful warriors are peaceful.

#3 Think about these things…practice these things (v. 8). Right thinking creates right living. It creates peace instead of chaos. This means cutting out distractions and retraining your thoughts. Paul urged believers to think about and practice truth, honor, justice, purity, loveliness, and what’s admirable. These aren’t just ideas; they’re habits. When we dwell on excellent and praiseworthy things, our minds align with God—and our lives start to reveal His peace to those around us.

Evening Prayer for Families: Building Daily Habits: God answers prayer. We say that as men of God, but we often struggle to make prayer a regular part of our lives. But as we nurture an ongoing personal prayer life, we can build a stronger connection with our sons and daughters and pass that legacy to them. Evening prayers with our children and for our children are an important part of becoming men after God’s own heart.

The Pathway to Peace – From Panic To Praise: Feeling the world spin a little too fast lately? In this honest conversation, we’ll unpack a simple five-step “Pathway to Peace” from Philippians 4:6–9: panic, pause, pray, praise, and peace. They explore how intentional pausing resets your home’s tone and how prayer and praise invite “the peace that surpasses all understanding”.

Warren Wiersbe: “Most Christians are being crucified on a cross between two thieves: Yesterday’s regret and tomorrow’s worries.”

Practicing Peace.

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me (v. 9). Peace doesn’t just happen—it’s practiced. When you worry—pause and pray: “God, You’ve got this.” Then thank Him for something—your breath, your family, your home.

Gratitude crushes worry. When doubt whispers, “Am I enough?” speak truth aloud: “God, guard my heart.” Picture God guarding you.

Each morning, focus on one virtue—true, pure, lovely—and live it out toward your family. Let them see peace in you, so you can look back and say, “What you’ve learned and seen in me, do likewise.”

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.