Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
“Do not be anxious …” – note that this is a command. Not an option. And God has given us the power to say “no” to worry and anxiety.
Science has confirmed we have the power to choose. There’s a “free-will” section at our frontal cortex (front of forehead). When we reject a thought, it will literally become hot air and dissipate from our mind. On the other hand, when we accept a thought, it will cause a nerve in our brain to grow more branches, resulting in the thought becoming a part of our brain. If we meditate on either a negative or positive thought, the nerve will grow even more branches and that thought becomes a permanent memory. (From “Healing Begins with Sanctification of the Heart” by Dr. Michelle Strydom)
In Christian discipleship, our choices are pivotal – your choices of today will reap the results for tomorrow.
“about anything” – God doesn’t want you to worry about anything! Not even one thing! He wants to take care of all your concerns. 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast ALL your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
“but in every situation” – is there any situation too big or too small for Him? Our problem is, we don’t go to God when the situation is too small, thinking it’s too trivial. And we don’t go to Him when the situation is too big, thinking God may not care, or it’s too hard for Him! Result? Prayerlessness.
“… by prayer and petition …” – God gives us a solution. Instead of worrying, go into prayer. Prayer is a relationship. Talk to God about your heart’s concerns and desires. He’s your Father who delights in listening to His children’s petitions. (Jeremiah 33:3 – Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.) This phone line is toll free and always reachable! 😊
“… with thanksgiving” – Gratitude is powerful in the realm of prayer. When you start to thank God for all the good things He has done, suddenly your focus is on His love, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, etc. And these remind you of who He is. His nature brings forth truth and comfort. Now, He becomes bigger than your problems. The truth has set you free!
“… present your requests to God” – Don’t say “God knows” and you excused yourself from praying. This is an invitation to ASK! God is giving you a blank cheque! (Matt 7:7 – Ask and it will be given to you; Seek and you will find; Knock and the door will be opened to you.)
Also, presenting your requests is for your benefit, not His. I find it helpful to be specific in asking. Initially, I could be all confused, not knowing what to pray. When I begin to put my thoughts together or write my requests down, clarity and direction start to flow.
Someone taught me that if I pray specifically, God will answer specifically. Years ago, while studying in Chicago, I needed a place to rent. I shared 3 specific prayer requests with a prayer partner. First, I asked for a furnished room. Second, affordable rent. Third, a place near my campus so I could walk to class. My prayer partner thought I was too demanding and my requests were tall orders. My response was, “Just pray and see what God does.” Within 2 weeks, I had all my requests answered!
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” – God’s promise – If we fulfil the conditions, peace will come. And it’s no ordinary peace. It’s unexplainable, almost unreal. On another occasion in Chicago, I was struggling with a tough assignment. I was all anxious to get it done on time. It was so bad that I couldn’t eat or sleep. One night, I confessed to God that I didn’t know what to do except commit the situation to Him. Suddenly, a surge of peace came over me. All anxiety was gone instantly! I knew it was God. Within minutes, I slept like a baby and was able to complete the assignment the next day.
“will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” – This peace of God will keep guard of your heart and mind by helping you to focus on the Prince of peace: Jesus Christ. He said in John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – What comforting words from the King of kings and Lord of lords!
Summary:
Whenever you find yourself having fear and anxiety, exercise your power by:
- Choosing not to allow fear and anxiety to control your life.
(Say “NO” to fear and anxiety. Reject those thoughts)
- Choosing to focus your mind on God’s truth.
(God wants to take over ALL your cares in exchange for His PEACE)
- Choosing to thank God for what He has already done.
(Focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life)
- Choosing to present your requests to Him.
(He is your Father who loves to have conversations with you about your life)
Hymn – What A Friend We Have In Jesus: