Philippians 4:6 – January 7, 2020

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Philippians 4:6 NABRE     

Paul is writing back to the community in Phillipe. He is writing this letter while under arrest, most likely chained to the wall. He no doubt uses a secretary to capture his dictation. Despite this struggle in his own life this letter is known as a letter of joy. He is ending the letter after reminding the community of their call to grow in their new life in Christ. In the section with the quoted verse he is giving some practical advice. He urges two leaders to reconcile and he calls the community to rejoice and affirm whatever is worthy and true as a sure way to the peace of God. He tells them to rejoice in the Lord always, repeating to rejoice. He tells them to have no anxiety, but in everything prayer, petition, and thanksgiving make requests known to God and then the peace of God will guard their hearts and minds. Interestingly, Paul does not say their prayer will be answered affirmatively, or even answered,but that God will give them peace. This is likely what is most needed in a situation where something is a struggle in our lives. First, we cannot do anything if we are full of anxiety. So receiving the peace God offers is necessary. Then he goes on to say God will guard our hearts and our minds. This is critical as well because when our hearts and minds are unprotected we could have bad reactions and thoughts, leading to errors. 

If we go to God in prayer we may not see an answer directly, but we will receive peace and protection. With this peace and protection we should be able to work through anything. God may still provide more but God’s first response is to put us at ease. 

Do you rejoice in everything? Do you find peace and protection important when working through something?

If we go to God in prayer we may not see an answer directly, but we will receive peace and protection. With this peace and protection we should be able to work through anything. Click To Tweet

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