"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:1-9
"Be anxious for nothing...." You've probably heard this verse before. In 2013, Philippians 4:6 was one of the top five Bible verses looked up and shared on YouVersion (see here). Many of us must struggle with anxiety or worry, or this verse wouldn't be so well known! This verse is great, but have you ever taken time to read the verses surrounding it? They can help us learn how to defeat anxiety.
"Rejoice in the Lord always" is how Paul starts talking about anxiety. No matter our circumstances, we can rejoice in the Lord! He never changes, He is always faithful, and He will carry out every promise. We can fully trust Him! So rejoice in Him, and anxiety won't have much of a foothold. Then He says "let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near" (v. 5). This gentle Spirit is not self-seeking, but calm and pursuing peace with others. And this gentleness is a testimony to you and the Lord being close. You see, these both have to do with our attitudes regarding the circumstances of our lives.
After the infamous verse comes a command to control what we think about: "whatever is true...honorable...right...pure...lovely...of good repute...any excellence and...anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" (v. 8). Our minds, when focused on our issues and problems, can easily run away with anxiety! But Paul helps us understand how to stop worrying and being anxious: build our attitude on rejoicing in who God is, fueling a gentle Spirit that is filled with trust in the Lord, and thinking about what is good (which all good things are from God). Don't let your thoughts run away and cause you to sin by being filled with anxiety and worry. Focus on Him, rejoice in Him, and trust Him with every care and concern. He cares for you.
Father, Praise You for always being good, always providing, and never failing or changing. Even when everything looks dark around me, my hope is in You: Your character, Your mighty works through the years, and Your sacrifice. Help me trust You when I am tempted to be anxious. Please help me remember to check my attitude and focus my mind on true, honorable and right things. Amen.
Philippians 4:1-9
"Be anxious for nothing...." You've probably heard this verse before. In 2013, Philippians 4:6 was one of the top five Bible verses looked up and shared on YouVersion (see here). Many of us must struggle with anxiety or worry, or this verse wouldn't be so well known! This verse is great, but have you ever taken time to read the verses surrounding it? They can help us learn how to defeat anxiety.
"Rejoice in the Lord always" is how Paul starts talking about anxiety. No matter our circumstances, we can rejoice in the Lord! He never changes, He is always faithful, and He will carry out every promise. We can fully trust Him! So rejoice in Him, and anxiety won't have much of a foothold. Then He says "let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near" (v. 5). This gentle Spirit is not self-seeking, but calm and pursuing peace with others. And this gentleness is a testimony to you and the Lord being close. You see, these both have to do with our attitudes regarding the circumstances of our lives.
After the infamous verse comes a command to control what we think about: "whatever is true...honorable...right...pure...lovely...of good repute...any excellence and...anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" (v. 8). Our minds, when focused on our issues and problems, can easily run away with anxiety! But Paul helps us understand how to stop worrying and being anxious: build our attitude on rejoicing in who God is, fueling a gentle Spirit that is filled with trust in the Lord, and thinking about what is good (which all good things are from God). Don't let your thoughts run away and cause you to sin by being filled with anxiety and worry. Focus on Him, rejoice in Him, and trust Him with every care and concern. He cares for you.
Father, Praise You for always being good, always providing, and never failing or changing. Even when everything looks dark around me, my hope is in You: Your character, Your mighty works through the years, and Your sacrifice. Help me trust You when I am tempted to be anxious. Please help me remember to check my attitude and focus my mind on true, honorable and right things. Amen.
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