Philippians 4:6 - The Bible (New International Version)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
As I write this, I’m waiting for my phone to ring with a customer on the other end of the line to fill the empty spots in my schedule. I’ve got other jobs in the future, but I have to admit I’m somewhat anxiously waiting, anticipating...
The above scripture is quite possibly my favorite one related to our Christian attitude here on earth because it is a perfectly concise guideline on how to be mentally and spiritually healthy with respect to life here on earth. It is my favorite verse, second only to that part of the Lord’s Prayer that states, “...Thy will be done…” (Luke 11:2) It is an especially important scripture for us men who tend to internalize our worry into things like heart disease.
There are so many reasons to fret and worry in this life but, just as Peter kept his eye on Jesus during the storm as He walked on the sea (Matthew 14:22-33), God will keep Christians above the turbulent waters of worry, anxiety, common depression, and other runaway worldly emotions. Keep your eyes focused upon Him by trusting and He will give you a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7)
Pay particular notice to the way this is written. To paraphrase, it says that if we’re worried about how a job application will go, whether someone close to you will come out of the hospital alright, if you’re worried about the outcome of a relationship, financial matters, or any of a myriad of other earthly concerns, God wants us to pray with an attitude of gratitude, specifically describing what is threatening to hold us under a dark cloud of anxiety. This is how the Amplified Bible puts it, Phil. 4:6 “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.”
He’s got your back.
Reflection: Are you ready to hand your biggest worries over to God?
1. You can’t fix what you don’t name. List your most pressing problems currently.
2. Do you consider any of the above problems something God wouldn’t be interested in? Why?
3. Is prayer the most important tool in your tool belt?
4. Do you understand the connection between anxiety and your health?
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Comments
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Excellent Devotional
Which gives me food for thought. God is answering our prayers, I have seen this bit by bit. Still, I must admit it is difficult. I was hospitalized overnight and monitored closely for indigestion which caused chest pain and a bit of distress.
All tests were negative.
I know that Bill and I cannot bear this burden alone, and there is much else i need strength and energy for besides worrying. We must remain vigilant (not easy with a still elusive 18 year old, but somehow give up the anxiety. I can't say I've been 100% successful yet.
Thanks for sending me this link, Paul.
Joyce -
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I am sorry to hear about your hospitalization. I felt led to post this because I could sense something ... I too have that indigestion you talk of because of one worry or another. Sometimes it's not too obvious and the worry creeps into the subconscious unawares I think.
May God go with you,
Paul
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