According to Google, some of the top things that people worry about are money, the future, job security, relationships and health.  If you are a person prone to worry, I would say this list is not a surprise to you.  It seems that the world we live in today lends itself to worry.  We are constantly bombarded with breaking news, much of it troubling or bad.  We are regularly given information that warns us to be aware or alert of this or that bad thing that might befall us in the digital world.  It is hard not to be concerned for the health and safety of ourselves and our family members. 

How do we cope with all these slings and arrows that come at us?  Even in the 21^st century, God’s word is relevant to our lives today, and can give us hope and encouragement.

A very familiar passage relating to this topic is Philippians 4:6-8.  The overall theme of the book of Philippians is joy.  In verse 4 of Philippians 4, Paul reminds the believers to “rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice.” 

Verse 6 goes on to tell us, “Be careful (or anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

So, we are to be anxious for NOTHING.  That means no care, no anxiety, no worry, no fretting, no fear, no if onlys, no what ifs.  Wow, that’s not easy. That doesn’t leave room for us to worry about anything! This is also backed up in Matthew 6: 25-34 where Jesus tells us several times to “take no thought” or not to worry. How in the world can we do this?  The next part of Philippians 4:6 gives us guidance. 

“But in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” So when you are tempted to let your cares run away with your thoughts and emotions, pray.  When you start to worry, pray.  Thank and praise God that He is near (as He reminds us in verse 5—the Lord is at hand).  Then, let your requests be made known to God.  He wants to hear from us, He wants us to tell Him what’s going on and what we need.  Maybe we need to pray specifically for God’s peace in a situation.  Maybe we need to ask for God’s grace to endure a situation that seems to have no resolution this side of Heaven. 

When we pray in humility and with thanksgiving, God promises in verse 7 that His peace that passes all understanding will keep or guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  This is a supernatural peace.  Part of the EVERYTHING that we should consider that is opposed to worry is listed in verse 8, “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” As we are battling fear, worry, anxiety and cares in our mind, use this ammunition of truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, good report, virtue and praise to replace those things. Meditate and think on these things.  If we are told to be anxious for NOTHING then it must be possible to obey that command.  I write this as a professional worrier—it is often a struggle.  When next you find yourself starting to worry or fear just remind yourself of “nothing” and “everything”.   Pray these verses to the Lord, and call on Him for His help and His peace to guard your heart and your mind!

-Pam Konnerup