Be Anxious For Nothing

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (1)

With this kind of support from our Creator, how can we be anything but thankful? Paul's expression, to not be anxious, prohibits the painful anxiety that is inevitable in those who are dependent on themselves in the midst of life's difficulties. Peter exclaimed, "cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (2) Knowing that God's Spirit dwells in His people, and that God loves us supremely, regardless of what life throws at us, we can have confidence that we are safe in the arms of our loving Lord and protector.

We can be thankful for everything knowing "that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are - called according to His purpose." (3) Everything that happens to us in life, good and bad, can be instructive for us to grow and learn the lessons that are in the experiences of life, and God is present with us through it all. Having this knowledge and the presence of His Spirit gives us the confidence that with Him, all is under control. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me." (4)

In everything, we may confide in our Creator. He understands our needs before we ask Him. He knows our strengths and weaknesses and He understands our sorrows. He is confidential with us, He does not tell our secrets. Yet He directs us in paths of safety and doing what is right. If we listen to Him, He will keep us from all manner of trouble and difficulty. He is our best Friend. Being present with us, He will keep us from stumbling and falling, if we pay attention to Him. While He does not force Himself on us, He is there to pick up the pieces when we recognize our need.

The peace that comes with His presence is beyond understanding. "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (5) Jesus said this to His disciples knowing He was on His way to the cross. They were devastated because of His death. However, Jesus knew what was on the other side of the cross. After the resurrection, the disciples also came to believe "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." (6)

Because He lives, we have so much for which to be thankful.

1. Philippians 4:6, 7.
2. 1 Peter 5:7.
3. Romans 8:28.
4. Psalm 23:4.
5. John 14:27.
6. Matthew 28:18-20.