The book of Zechariah was written about 520 B.C. after the exiles returned from Babylon to Jerusalem in 538 B.C. and found the temple and society in utter ruin. Zechariah, a responsible member of the priestly circles, emphasizes Jerusalem as the place of God's dwelling. Through this writing the Lord uses His prophet to say that even though the beginnings are small, the Lord through His Spirit will see it through. We are all too aware of the struggles within our own lives. The first thing is to admit utter powerlessness over whatever the concern may be.
Today there is a plethora of programs and self-help materials available.
Rather, in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, we are to let our requests be made known to God. If we do that, then God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Here we have a rod to measure ourselves by. If the peace is missing, then somehow we are not doing what He has asked us to do. Perhaps we do not know quite how in the situation at hand.