BETTER THAN MEDS

READING: PHILIPPIANS 4:1-6

Verse 6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God...”

In our society we are experiencing a period during which anxiety is widespread. Contrary to this  experience, however, biblical instruction as presented in the verse above, is to not be anxious. Immediately following that instruction, the Bible informs its readers of how to avoid anxiety. It says people should prayerfully express their situations to the Lord with thankfulness. In other words, we are to report our concerns to Him trusting Him as our loving and faithful Heavenly Father. When we accomplish this, there is no longer reason for anxiety if we indeed put our faith in Him. At that point we don’t then have to wait for results in order to be relieved of anxiety. Our true peace in the Lord will not hinge on what is going to happen or how it will be. We must not look to the human resolution first and as our primary need. Godly victory over anxiety comes we first give priority to the Resolver Himself! Then from Him will come our human resolution. As we cast our cares on Him we are able to enter the peace of God which passes understanding. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What goes wrong with ungodly responses to anxiety?

2. What role does the thanksgiving have when we pray as above?