Anxiety, Part 2

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4: 6

Anxiety should never be found in a believer. In spite of the magnitude, quantity, and diversity of our trials, afflictions and difficulties, anxiety should not exist under any circumstances. This is because we have a Father in heaven who is almighty, who loves His children as He loves His “one and only Son” (John 3:16), and whose complete joy and delight it is to continually assist them under all circumstances. We should heed His Word, which says, “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

“In every thing” – not simply when our house is on fire or when our beloved spouse and children are gravely ill, but even in the smallest matters of life. We are to take everything to God – little things, very little things, even what the world calls trivial things. Yes, we are to take everything, living all day long in holy fellowship with our heavenly Father and our precious Lord Jesus. We should develop something of a spiritual instinct, causing us to immediately turn to God when a concern keeps us awake at night. During those sleepless nights, we should speak to Him, bringing our various concerns before Him, no matter how small they may be. Also speak to the Lord about any trial you are facing or any difficulties you may have in your family or professional life.

“By prayer and supplication” – earnestly pleading, persevering and enduring, and waiting, waiting, waiting on God.

“With thanksgiving” – always laying a good foundation. Even if we have no possessions, there is one thing for which we can always be thankful – that He saved us from Hell. We can also give thanks that He has given us His Holy Word, His Holy Spirit, and the most precious gift of all – His Son. Therefore when we consider all this, we have abundant reasons for thanksgiving. May this be our goal!

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). This is such a wonderful, genuine, and precious blessing that to truly know it, you must experience it, for it “transcends all understanding.”

May we take these truths to heart, instinctively walking in them, so the result will be lives that glorify God more abundantly than ever before.

• George Mueller, from Life of Trust taken from Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman and Updated by Jim Reimann, Zondervan, 1997