Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I have to confess that all too often I fail to slow down and get a grasp on the full meaning of words. The word anxious in the Scripture for today is a case in point. I have quoted from the New King James Translation. In the King James Version the word anxious is interpreted as careful.
The original Greek word which is interpreted here as anxious, is the word merimna. Here is the expanded meaning for the word: to be anxious; to be troubled with cares, divided or distracted. Wow! That is exactly what Paul says we are NOT to do.
I can almost hear the cries of those who are passing through the valley of trial at this very moment. There may be a lost job, lost home, lost health, lost beloved, or many other tragic events. At this point we must stop and evaluate our behavior to determine if we are allowing the circumstances of misery to control our lives and our worship of the Lord.
Paul immediately gives us the resolution to being anxious. It follows the word everything. Now in my world, everything means the whole ball of wax. It is not partial but complete. So what follows the word is vital. He says that with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving we are to bring our requests to the Lord. In my mind that means we come to the Lord with an attitude of expectancy. He is going to give us what is best for us according to His riches in glory. When we do that He will bring peace in the midst of our storm-tossed life. Praise the Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil