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"Be anxious for nothing..."

Text: Philippians 4:6

THE ANXIETIES OF LIFE

There will always be circumstances in our life that will cause us to feel anxious or worried. The apostle Paul wrote from experience concerning how one may cope with those times. His word of advice is of timeless quality.

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

Philippians 4:6

1. The things that can cause anxiety (in Paul’s experience)

a) Imprisonment (Philippians 1:7)

b) Rivals who seek to harm (Philippians 1:16)

c) The spectre of death (Philippians 1:20-23)

d) Suffering (Philippians 1:29-30)

2. Overcoming anxiety

a) Refuse to be anxious.

b) Resist feelings of anxiety at the onset.

3. Choose communion with God

a) Learn to pray (Greek “proseuche”- a general word for prayer).

b) Learn how to supplicate (Greek “deesis”). Praying with a sense of urgency is in mind.

c) Learn how to pray with thanksgiving.

i) That God is our Father.

ii) That God hears and answers prayer.

iii) That our prayers to Him are not in vain.

d) Learn how to present “requests” (Greek “aitemata”).

i) The word “request” comes from the word “ask” (Greek “aiteo”).

ii) This is a reference to things that we may ask from God, hence “requests”.

e) Be made known to God

i) Of course God knows all that is in our heart.

ii) Still, He would like us to present our requests to Him.

Prayer was an integral part of Paul’s life. He displayed great joy instead of anxiety in all life’s circumstances!