Does nothing mean nothing? Cause I got some somethings that don’t feel like nothings!

But there it is, “Be anxious for nothing.” (Psalm 4:6)

And wouldn’t you know I’d come to this verse in my study of Philippians when I’m awake at 4am anxious over something?!

Do I really have to live everything I write about? Couldn’t I just tell others without having to live what I tell? 🤔

And, in fact, this particular passage of a Paul’s letter has been underlined in my Bible for years! I’m pretty sure I have it framed in my house.

But here I am, 4 am, on the couch, awake, ….anxious!

So, what do I do with this? I read on (again)…

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. (Phil 4:6-7)

And here’s the thing, this is not a one and done command! This isn’t a magic, worry-no-more pill you take!

No, Paul is giving us practical insight in how to live with real emotions this side of Heaven—

As our anxious “everythings” come up, we are to, in everything, by prayer and supplication (which means asking or begging for something humbly), with thanksgiving, make our requests known to God.

Yes, God already knows our anxious thoughts, but He literally wants us to talk to Him about them in prayer.

So, as anxious thoughts come to your mind, STOP and pray.

Thank God for His goodness, provision, protection and faithfulness in the past. Truly list out specific times you’ve seen Him take care of you before! Thank Him for those times!

Then, go ahead and ask yourself why you think He would let you down in the current situation of concern? Would that be remotely true of His character? (The answer is NO!)

Next, make your requests known to God. Ask Him. (Now, if you’ve asked Him for something that is against Scripture you already know His good answer to you is “no”)

Next, remember He has the power to do whatever you are asking. It is not a problem for Him! If it’s His will for you to do so, great!

But if he says “no”, even if He says, “no”, it’s still completely in His good nature to bring good another way, even a hard another way! (Rom 8:28)

You know that’s true. You’ve seen it in Scripture, and if you are paying attention you’ve seen it in the lives of other believers and most likely your own as well.

So bottom line Christian friend, you can trust your Heavenly Father with your anxious everythings! Always! And so can I!

And remembering this, praying about this, guards my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus! Again.

And that is simply no small thing!
What a Savior!!

“Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!”
(Scriven, What a Friend We Have in Jesus”)

readPhilippians

kimjaggers.com