Be anxious for nothing.
Focus Scripture
Philippians 4:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.
Re-read the verses again with focus on the key words below:
Anxious: (adjective) full of mental distress; greatly worried
Nothing: (noun) no single thing
Peace: (noun)a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotion, harmony in personal relations.
Meditate: (verb) To dwell on anything in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind.
Biblical History
The book of Philippians was written by Paul who was one of the greatest Christian missionaries of all times. During the early years of the church there were powerful people who wanted to end the spread of Christianity. It was not uncommon for early Christian leaders to be tortured or imprisoned. Paul was one of these targeted leaders. He had been beaten and imprisoned more than once for his missionary work. Throughout all of this hardship, Paul never lost faith in God. When this chapter of Philippians was written, Paul was being held in prison, yet he was encouraging his fellow believers in Christ. He was encouraging them to not be anxious. Paul had every reason to be anxious and worried, yet he chose to meditate on the positive and look to God’s prior love and provisions to uphold him! Therefore, he was able to remain steadfast in his joy and faith.
No exception to the rules!
It’s easy to make exceptions to rules especially when those rules involve us and our emotions. This verse is literally telling us to not be anxious about ANYTHING! There are no exceptions to that. Be anxious for nothing means exactly that- NOTHING!
God is completely aware of every issue that we are dealing with. There are absolutely NO issues which would be an exception to this verse. God does not want our minds filled with anxiety over ANY problem or issue. This may be difficult, but you can do it! Let’s ask our Heavenly Father to help!
- Write down every worry or concern that you can think of.
- Color code each statement.
- Choose one color to underline (code) what you consider to be “big” worries and another color to underline (code) “small” worries.
- After you have “coded” each issue, choose a third color.
- With the third color completely cross out each statement.
- Finally, using this same third color- write “GOD WILL HANDLE THIS” beside each statement.
Rest well knowing your Heavenly Father is in control!
