Read Philippians 4:6

Today’s reading is an incredible verse that’s worthy of close examination so let’s break it down:

“Do not be anxious about anything…”

I would love to never be anxious about anything but that’s a lot to ask. How can I do that? I can’t do it in my own power but I believe that if I trust God He will help me, and all of us, to not be anxious. The very next verse talks about how, after we pray, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.

“…in every situation…”

Does God mean that we should pray about even the small stuff?

I believe He does.

Should I wait until I’ve exhausted all of my time, energy and resources or should I pray right away? Over the years, I’ve been working on the habit of praying right away and I feel it works much better to go to God right away. He wants us to take all of our cares/anxiety to Him:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

I believe He wants to bear most of the burden:   

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

“…with thanksgiving…”

The manner in which we are to pray is with thanksgiving. Does this mean we should be thanking God for the situation we’re praying about or thanking Him for His answer? I would say “yes” to both. I believe, based on the Bible, that God is sovereign which means He is in control of all things. So, when things happen in my life, I can either accept them as part of God’s plan or complain about them and, by complaining, basically say “Hey God, I know better than you.”

“…present your requests to God…”

When we present our requests to God, through prayer, we are coming into the presence of the God of the universe. This is incredible! I can picture myself bowing before the throne of grace and humbly asking for help and/or praising God for who He is and thanking Him for what He has done.

So why wait until you’ve exhausted yourself trying to deal with a situation? Why not go to God right away in prayer? Get into the habit of going to God right when an issue arises!

Mike Molter