BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING
(Philippians 4:6)
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Let's take a quick mental inventory. You'll need some paper for this one. What's on your mind? You know. What seems to be occupying the vast majority of your thoughts? Write down the first five things that come to mind. Now, let's consider some of the small issues. What are some of the things that are on your mind occasionally? Concerns. Write down the first five small issues that come to mind.
Take a look at your lists. What you have in front of you are referred to as anxieties that range from one extreme to another. Because the range is so great, it will help us to understand what Paul is referring to in Philippians 4:6. He exhorts us to be careful (anxious) for nothing. In other words, we shouldn't let anything worry us. When confronted with any level of anxiety, the child of God is instructed to let the associated requests be made known unto God. The funny thing about this is that God already knows. Still, however, we should voice our desires and concerns to Him.
Is anxiety creating a "leak" in your life? If the issues on your list haven't been addressed, you could be "leaking" and not even know it. Let's be astute concerning our anxieties. We can start by taking the ten items on the list you just wrote before the Lord in prayer. Tell God exactly how you feel about the issues and watch Him move. When we do this, we can expect fulfillment of the promise in the next verse -- And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Be blessed.
