WALK AWAY FROM WORRY

WALK AWAY FROM WORRY

READ:
Philippians 4:1-9

Be anxious for nothing.
-Philippians 4:6

A few years ago, our Bible-study leader challenged us to memorize a chapter of the Bible and recite it to the group.  Internally, I began to protest and groan.  An entire chapter, in front of everyone?  Memorization had never been my thing; I cringed as I imagined long silences while everyone watched me, waiting for the next words.

A few days later, I reluctantly leafed through my Bible, looking for a set of verses to learn by heart.  Nothing seemed right until I landed in Philippians 4.

I read this verse in silence, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer ad supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (v.6).  That's when I knew which chapter to memorize, and how to walk away from my anxiety about the assignment.

God does not want us to agonize over future events, because worry paralyzes our prayer life.  The apostle Paul reminds us that instead of fretting, we should ask God for help.  When we continually take this approach to anxiety, God's peace will guard our hearts and minds (v.7).

Someone once said tongue-in-cheek, "Why pray when you can worry?"  The point is clear:  Worry gets us nowhere, but prayer gets us in touch with the One who can handle all of our concerns. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt

When you feel the tension mounting,
And across the busy day,
Only gloomy clouds are drifting
As you start to worry - pray! -Anon.
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It's impossible to wring our hands
when they are folded before God in prayer.

INSIGHT
In Philippians 4, Paul not only challenged and encouraged the Philippian church, he also corrected two people in their congregation.  Apparently, Euodia and Syntyche were engaged in a dispute that was disrupting the life of the church.  Paul's encouragement of these women "to be of the same mind in the Lord" (v.2) reminds us that our disagreements can likewise harm the fellowship of our churches today.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace