Be Anxious for Nothing
To the Philippian Church Paul writes: “do not be anxious about anything…” (4.6) This is hard to do, don’t you think? Life is full of little worries. One can get anxious about what to wear, about being on time, how to make ends meet, if the children are safe, what to fix for dinner, if you’ll find the right person to marry…the list goes on. Some even think that it can be a sign of love or caring for someone, but it is a negative feeling and is generally an expectation of future threat. Anxiety is based on uncertainty. It is the not knowing of what is happening or will happen. Anxiety exists when our world view is absent of any obvious intention or cause. In other words, when the events in our life are subject to chance. It is based on the concept of luck, whether good or bad.
Proverbs 16.33 says: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” If the simple casting of a lot is guided by God, how much more the events of our entire life. Nothing can take Him by surprise. The Lord sees the end from the beginning. Not even a sparrow can fall to the ground without the Father allowing it, and yet we are of so much more value than a sparrow. Every hair of our head is numbered. Every breath we breathe, every day we live are all in His hands. Just as the smallest of His creation is remembered and cared for, we will never be forgotten. Don’t panic if there is a storm raging around you. Jesus is in your boat.
When a person is anxious, he cannot pray in faith. It is impossible to serve the Lord with anxiety. Anxiety reveals self-service. It is you trying to be God. It is you trying to do what He said He would do. He is the provider, the protector, the present help in time of need. Have you looked into His storehouse? Do you think the Lord does not have enough to supply your needs? Have you considered the strength of His armies or the power of His might? Is this not enough to protect you and the ones you love? Have you ever tried to grasp His knowledge and intelligence? Just look at the details woven into nature and the mysteries of the universe. Can the Lord not help you drive a car to pass an exam at school? Have you looked at His heart of mercy? Has God ever proven to be unkind in His dealing with you? His plans for you are for good and not evil.
Anxiety is not to be tolerated or excused. It is unbelief and must be gotten rid of. Peter says to cast all your anxieties on the Lord, because He cares for you. (I Peter 5.7) You are the Lord’s business. He will rebuke the storm for you. If you can believe this, then you will enter into His rest. When you do so a calm settles over your mind. Peace returns and faith rises up. Problems become opportunities to see the Lord’s solution. Uncertainties are transformed into hope and life becomes enjoyable. The admonition to the Philippians was to pray, not worry, with thanksgiving. Keep positive. Keep looking up. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4.7)
Scriptures to meditate on:
Prov. 16.33; Phil. 4.6-7; Mat. 10.29-31; I Peter 5.7; Is. 55.8-13