It will affect you mentally, physically and spiritually. Worry says to God that He is not big enough to deal with your problem. Some people even get worried when things are going well in their lives. If we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, what have we got to worry about? Worry is like being in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but you don’t go anywhere. You don’t deal with worry by blaming someone else.

1 – A word about problems (vs. 6)

We are to bring our problems to God. We can’t go back to change things or go forward to see how things will turn out. We are to live for today and pray.

• A caution we need to observe – We are all born into trouble. See John 16:33. In the world we shall have tribulation. All through the Bible is clear that we will all have problems.
• A command to obey – We are to be careful for nothing. We are not to worry about anything. God’s word about worry is DON’T. Worry will strangle you. You are bringing tomorrow’s clouds into today’s sunshine. We often worry about things that never come to pass. Don’t worry about anything.

Here are three reasons why Christians should not worry.

• God knows what you face. See Proverbs 15:3 & Job 23:10.
• God cares about what you face. God is concerned. See Hebrews 4:15 & 1 Peter 5:7.
• God will take care of what you face. See Hebrews 13:5-6.

2 – A word about prayer (vs. 6)

We can’t do anything by worrying so we need to pray.

• The act of prayer – Prayer is coming to God in a general sense. It is the weak child going before a strong parent. Supplication is where we share our burden with the Lord. We take our eyes off the storm and put our eyes on the Lord. Request is detailed prayer on specific issues. We can come to God in specific prayer. See Jeremiah 33:3.
• The atmosphere of prayer – We are to pray about the big and small things. What is big to God? What is too small for God? We are to pray without ceasing in everything.
• The attitude of prayer – We are to do it with thanksgiving. You can’t do that if you are worried. Thanksgiving will push worry out. You can’t have both together. See Ephesians 5:20. Those who are thankful have a sweet spirit.

3 – A word about promises (vs. 7)

You will get these promises if you don’t worry, trust in God and pray.

• The promise of peace – It is the tranquillity of the soul. You body can relax at the soul level. When this happens the rest of the body is at rest. It passes all understanding. God’s peace will “blow your mind”! You can’t understand it and neither will others! Why have you got so much peace? Instead of fighting there is peace. Job, Daniel and Peter had this peace in times of trouble.
• The promise of preservation – God will stand guard over us with his peace. Will you keep on worrying or will you let God give you his peace? Today is the day to start!

Categories: Philippians