Anything or Everything? // Philippians 4:6-7

Lert’s read today’s verse in its entirety: “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” (Philippians 4:6-7). I read that passage, and a one-word interrogative comes to mind: anything? You mean to tell me God doesn’t want me to be anxious about anything? Yep. So, what are we to do when we feel anxiety well up from within? The answer is in the next verse. Pray. Take whatever is causing you angst and turn it into a prayer. The way I like to do this is to take whatever causes me angst and confront it with a character trait of God. If I fear I don’t have enough money, I pray about how God is the provider and is always enough. If I’m worried about health, I pray to the Great Physician. If I’m worried about things going on in politics, I pray to the One whom has the government on His shoulders. Scripture is full of ways to take what worries us and turn it into a cue for worship. So, if you find yourself struggling about not feeling anxious for anything, turn to the One in Whose hands holds everything. There, Jesus will hold you closely and guard your heart and mind, the same place from which your very life flows (Proverbs 4:23).