Philippians 4:6–7 (KJV)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

In Roman chains, where shadows darkly fall,
Paul writes of joy amid the iron’s bite;
No sunny shore, no ease to ease the thrall,
Yet bids the heart release its anxious night.

Be careful for nothing, though the storm may rage,
Though future veils its face in threat and fear;
The trouble stands, yet need not hold the stage—
‘Tis not the trial, but the lonely tear.

In every thing, by prayer and earnest plea,
With thanks that anchor to the cross’s tree,
Lay bare your wants, your wounds, your frailty—
Surrender all; let God the burden see.

No vague entreaty, no half-hearted call,
But supplication sharp with real despair;
Then thanksgiving, though pain would claim it all,
Recalls the grave that could not hold its Heir.

And lo, a peace beyond all mortal ken
Shall keep the heart, the mind, with soldier’s might—
A sentinel that bars the gate to when
Despair would storm the soul in dead of night.

Not circumstance transformed, nor chains undone,
But inner keep held fast in Christ the Son;
The diagnosis lingers, storm undone—
Yet you are guarded; fear’s wild reign is won.

So bring your worry, trembling, to His throne;
Exchange the weight for peace that will not break.
In Christ you stand, not by your strength alone—
The peace of God your heart and mind shall wake.

Though prison walls or trials press severe,
This truth endures from one who knew the rod:
You do not carry sorrow lone and drear—
The guarding peace is yours, in Christ your God.