Have you ever had a time in your life when things were so overwhelming that you could not sleep? Have there been times when you were so preoccupied with a problem that you didn't seem to be able to function? Have there been issues of your life that seem to dominate every waking thought? If so, you have known anxiety.
Because of this Paul wrote these words in Philippians 4:6-7.
I) Understanding the Nature of Anxiety (4:6a)
In Matthew 6 Jesus condemns worry. He says worry is foolish and shows a lack of confidence in the person, character, and ability of God. (Mt. 6:25-33)
So why is worry wrong? Jesus gives us several reasons.
1) It puts the focus on the wrong issues.
Worry distorts our thinking. When we worry, we tend to look at situations through a magnifying glass which makes things bigger than they really are.
2) Worry causes us to lose sight of who we belong to.
Jesus concludes that God is more than capable of taking care of us. [Matthew 7:7-9]
If God knows what we need it is inconceivable to think that God will not meet those needs if we trust Him rather than our own devices.
3) Worry is a fruitless activity.
Jesus said, "Who by worry can add a single hour to his life." Worry is wasted energy. There is nothing productive about worry. It leads to nowhere.
Understanding the nature of anxiety is important but it is only the first step towards what comes next.
II) Understanding the Remedy for Anxiety (4:6b)
In understanding the remedy for anxiety, you don’t just stop something, you have to start something. In fact, you have to do both of them or it will never fly!
Now Paul uses three words here for the same practice of talking with the Lord.
• The first word is prayer:
This word is the general term for talking with God. It can happen anywhere at any time.
• The second word Paul uses is supplication. The word refers to praying with urgency about whatever issue it is that concerns you.
• The third word Paul uses is request: This word refers to simply bringing to the Lord any specific need you might have.
Anxiety is an expression of fear. Prayer is an expression of faith. That, quite simply, is why the antidote to anxiety is prayer.
III) Understanding the Anticipation of God’s Peace (4:7)
This is what you can anticipate Notice verse 7.
And the peace of God – watch this – this peace – this serenity doesn’t come from you, it emanates from – it is sourced from the very character of God.
So, His, peace becomes your peace. This peace is not natural, it is supernatural.
And look at what this peace “does,” yes, “does,” for it is not impotent or quiet or weak or inactive: it guards your hearts and minds.
In Closing:
The all-powerful, all-wise, all-loving God who called this universe into existence out of nothing wills for your prayers to be the occasion of his acting on your behalf.
Never assume that God will do for us apart from prayer what he has promised to do for us only through prayer.
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