Do Not Be Anxious

Do not be anxious about anything. — Philippians 4:6

Anxiety should never be found in a believer. In spite of the magnitude, quantity, and diversity of our trials, afflictions, and difficulties, anxiety should not exist under any circumstances. This is because we have a Father in heaven who is almighty, who loves His children as He loves His “one and only Son” (John 3:16), and whose complete joy and delight it is to continually assist them under all circumstances. We should heed His Word, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Do not be anxious about anything, but…

“In everything” — not simply when our house is on fire or when our beloved spouse and children are gravely ill, but even in the smallest matters of life. We are to take everything to God — little things, very little things, even what the world calls trivial things. Yes, we are to take everything, living all day long in holy fellowship with our heavenly Father and our precious Lord Jesus. We should develop something of a spiritual instinct, causing us to immediately turn to God when a concern keeps us awake at night. During those sleepless nights, we should speak to Him, bringing our various concerns before Him, no matter how small they may be. Also speak to the Lord about any trial you are facing or any difficulties you may have in your family or professional life.

“By prayer and petition” — earnestly pleading, persevering and enduring, and waiting, waiting, waiting on God.

“With thanksgiving” — always laying a good foundation. Even if we have no possessions, there is one thing for which we can always be thankful — that He has saved us from hell. We can also give thanks that He has given us His Holy Word, His Holy Spirit, and the most precious gift of all — His Son. Therefore when we consider all this, we have abundant reasons for thanksgiving. May this be our goal!

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). This is such a wonderful, genuine, and precious blessing that to truly know it, you must experience it, for it “transcends all understanding.”

May we take these truths to heart, instinctively walking in them, so the result will be lives that glorify God more abundantly than ever before. — George Mueller, from Life of Trust

Search your heart several times a day, and if you find something that is disturbing your peace, remember to take the proper steps to restore the calm. — Francis de Sales

Excerpted with permission from Streams in the Desert by L. B. E. Cowman, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

Turning our hearts to God is more automatic during a crisis, but God wants a deeper relationship. Do you find it hard to live out the scripture, “do not be anxious about anything” when thinking about your job, family, health, finances, or other issues? Isn’t it wonderful that God longs for us to cast all of our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7)? What worries do you need to leave with Him today? We would love to hear from you! Please leave your comments on our blog. ~ Devotionals Daily