"Do Not Be Anxious..." But, How???Sample

Hear The Father Heart Of God

Today, let’s learn from an individual who had every reason to fear. This was someone who didn’t grapple with a “what if?” type of fear. Instead, he experienced the staring-death-in-the-eye type of trials that merited a full-blown panic attack. And yet his faith only seemed to grow stronger through the storms.

The apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, was chased down by his enemies, dealt with chronic health problems, suffered debilitating hunger and fatigue, encountered death threats, and experienced shipwreck, imprisonment, and flogging. While Paul was a regular person like you and me, he faced those daunting trials with resilient faith. How did he do it?

Let’s unpack some verses in Paul’s letter to the Philippians and glean some takeaways to facing the fear-inducing situations we find ourselves in.

Here’s what Paul writes in Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Over the next few days of this Bible Plan, let’s unpack these verses so we can begin to apply them in our lives.

Today, hear the Father's heart of God in the words, “Do not be anxious about anything…”

When God, through the apostle Paul, says, “Do not be anxious,” He is not simply writing off our anxiety with a resolute command. Instead, He speaks as a loving Father and as a Wonderful Counsellor. He is El Roi — the God who sees. He sees our situation, and He sees our furrowed brow. His Word says that He collects our tears in a bottle. Those four words — 'Do not be anxious’ — flow from His compassionate and loving Father's heart.

He’s not saying, “Hey, hold it together already.” He’s saying, “I hold all things together, so you don’t have to.” He gently tells His children not to worry about “anything” — that includes situations where panic is a legitimate, natural response — because He is sovereign over everything.

Reflect

When I face anxious situations, what is my first response? Is it to turn first to Google or to God? Is it to turn first to my networks or to get on my knees in prayer? Do I take the time to consider the character of God in the midst of the anxieties?

Respond

Father God, Thank You for Your Word that reminds me not to be anxious about anything. Even the things and situations that warrant worry are under Your sovereign control. Thank You that You never write off my worries but that You gently remind me that You hold all things together. In Jesus’ name. Amen