Philippians 4:6 is a verse that talks about the importance of prayer and fellowship with God. The verse says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in all things, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
This verse teaches us that we should pray at all times and not just when we are going through problems or difficulties. We need to be in constant communion with God, seeking His face and giving thanks to Him for the good things He has done in our lives.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Prayer is one way we can express our wants and needs to God. When we pray, we are making a covenant with God that we are willing to obey Him and follow His will. God always hears us and answers our prayers according to His will and perfect plan for our lives.
Prayer also helps us to keep a humble and submissive heart to God. When we are praying, we recognize that we are dependent on Him and that we need His help in all areas of our lives. This leads us to a life of gratitude and worship, as we recognize that everything we have comes from him.
He will answer the prayer of the helpless, and his prayer will not be despised. Psalm 102:17
Therefore, the verse teaches us that we should seek God’s face in all things, praying and giving thanks to Him for the blessings He has bestowed upon us.
Don’t be anxious about anything: Anxiety can be a 21st century disease. With all our responsibilities and problems, it’s easy to let anxiety take over our lives. God’s Word, however, calls us to set aside anxiety and trust God.
IWhat is anxiety?
Anxiety can be defined as a feeling of fear, worry or anxiety regarding a future or uncertain event.
Matthew 6:26-30 – Look at the birds of the air, which neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you much more valuable than them?
And which of you, with all his care, can add a cubit to his stature?
And as for clothing, why are you concerned? Look at the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither work nor spin;
And I tell you that not even Solomon, in all his glory, was dressed like one of these.
For if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, including financial problems, health problems, stress at work or at home, or concerns about children. Anxiety can also be caused by traumatic or stressful events in the past that are still affecting the person.
Why is anxiety a problem?
Anxiety can become a problem when it starts to interfere with a person’s daily life. Anxiety can cause problems with work, relationships, physical and mental health, and even sleep habits. The anxiety can be so intense that the person may avoid situations that could trigger an anxiety attack.
Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. Because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
How does the Bible talk about anxiety?
The Bible talks about anxiety in several places. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus talks about the danger of anxiety, saying, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, which neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you much more valuable than them? And which of you, with all his care, can add a cubit to his stature? And as for clothing, why are you concerned? Look at the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither work nor spin; And I tell you that not even Solomon, in all his glory, was dressed like one of these. For if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Do not therefore be anxious, saying, What shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or with what shall we be clothed? For all these things the Gentiles seek. Surely your heavenly Father well knows that you need all these things; But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for the day is its evil.”
In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus talks about anxiety a little differently, saying, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor for the body, as to what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, which neither sow nor reap; and who have neither pantry nor granary; and God feeds them. How many of you, by your anxiety, can add a single cubit to your stature? And about clothing, why are you worried? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither work nor spin; And yet I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one of these. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will you clothe you, O you of little faith? Do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, What shall we clothe ourselves with? Because the Gentiles seek all these things; but your heavenly Father well knows that you will need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Don’t worry, then, about tomorrow; because tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for the day is its evil.”
IV. How can we overcome anxiety?
The Bible gives us some tips on how to overcome anxiety. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us not to worry about the material things of life, saying: And he said to his disciples: Therefore I say to you, Do not be anxious for your life, about what you will eat, nor for the body, about what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, which neither sow nor reap, neither storeroom nor barn, and God feeds them; how much more are you worth than birds? And which of you by being thoughtful can add a cubit to his stature? Well, if you can’t even do the smallest things, why are you anxious about the others? Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither work nor spin; and I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. And if God so clothes the grass that today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more you, men of little faith? Ask not therefore what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, and be not troubled. Because the nations of the world seek all these things; but your Father knows you need them. Seek rather the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms. Make yourselves purses that do not grow old; treasure in heaven that never fails, where no thief approaches and moth does not gnaw. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Anxiety can be a serious problem, but the Bible gives us some ways to overcome it. We can overcome anxiety by seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and trusting God to provide for all our needs.
