Philippians 4:6; Anxiety

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 

I realize I could say this about a lot of verses, but if we REALLY believed this truth AND lived our lives accordingly – the world would be a very different a place.  And if the world didn’t become a better place, at least we (as individuals and the church) would be much different and that would be miracle enough.  Let’s work from back to front with this verse. 

“…with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Because we can present our requests to God, we are thankful – or should be thankful.  Our prayers and requests are heard by an all-loving and all-powerful God who is heavily invested in each of us.  Not only does God hear us, but He is faithful to answer our prayers.  Not always the way we want Him to, but God always hears and He always answers our prayers.  And if He doesn’t answer the way you want Him to – it’s for your own good.  God knows best!

“…but in every situation, by prayer and petition…”

Not only can we pray to a loving God, but we can pray at any time in any situation. God doesn’t only listen to us when we are good and faithful.  He listens to us when we are angry, lost, and confused just as faithfully as when we are joyful, thankful and focused. “Every situation” also reminds us that nothing is too hard for God – whatever you are going through – He can handle it. (Note: unconfessed sin hinders prayers, as well as other sin issues, but that is a discussion for another day.)

“Do not be anxious about anything…”

We are thankful because our loving God hears our prayers and acts on our behalf in every situation.  What do we have to be anxious about?  Nothing!  Do not be anxious about anything.  That means ANY thing.  Worried about school?  Don’t be.  Anxious about terrorists?  God is in control.  Money troubles?  The cattle on a thousand hills are God’s and He loves to give good gifts!  Relationship concerns?  It’s okay – God is with you. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 

Are you worried and anxious?  Christ came to take that away.  As we begin the Advent Season, what better message?  Emmanuel, God with us.  Give Him your burdens and He will give you His peace.  Just like most things in life, Jesus is the answer to your anxiety! 

“If God cares for you, why need you care too?  Can you trust Him for your soul and not your body?  He has never refused to bear your burdens; He has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul!  Have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.” – Charles Haddon Spurgeon