If I walked into a fenced yard and came face to face with a big scary dog baring its teeth, I would probably be afraid. Actually, I am certain I would be terrified, worried, and anxiety would overwhelm me. But, if I walked into the same yard, with the same dog, only this time the dog’s master was right there, and said, “don’t worry, I have complete control of the animal, you’re fine”, my reaction would be different. In addition, although my reaction would be different, my comfort level would also hinge on my trust in the dog’s master.
There are some verses we hear quoted often, and many times, unfortunately, we hear them out of context. Philippians 4:6 is one of those verses we hear often, “don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Why is the “d” in “don’t” in this verse not capitalized? Because the sentence is actually a continuation of the last part of verse 5.
The last part of verse 5 answers the “WHY”. Why should I NOT be anxious about anything?
Because the Lord is at hand!
The Master over all things is at hand. No matter what animal or mountain you may face, the Lord is at hand.
Therefore, instead of worry and anxiety we are told to make our requests known to God. However, before that, we must get our heart right, we must be making our requests known from a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving.
In our darkest hours we may feel like we have nothing to be thankful for, but, Christian, consider starting your list with these three items that are true for every believer:
I am thankful…
- That the Lord is at hand
- That I have opportunity to show the world my joy, strength, hope, and faith lie in the Lord Jesus
- That the Lord works all things out for the good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose
Philippians 4:4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
