“A Cure for Anxiety”

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  (Philippians 4:6)

The result of following the command above is stated in verse seven: “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. What components in the command will assure the tranquil life God promises here?

Paul is certainly not encouraging laziness or the totally carefree life. Diligence to both our physical as well as spiritual life are necessary to our success. In caring for our daily needs God says: “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat”. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) In building spiritual character we are instructed to “give all diligence”. (2 Peter 1:5) However, there is a kind of anxious care that robs us of our spiritual energy.  

So after all has been done on our part we are exhorted in all things to “pray”. “Prayer” is the first of three steps commanded here.  When used in the same context with words like “supplication” and “thanksgiving”, “prayer” may refer to the worshipful aspect of this triplet.  It seems to refer to a reverent, submissive frame of mind. It acknowledges that God's presence is our deepest joy, and extolling him is our greatest delight.  When our relationship with God means everything to us; it is difficult for the worldly cares to creep in.

And “supplication” implies a request. Certainly God covets our petitions. Here we are acknowledging our total dependence on him.  This is where we give to him our special petitions, and cast our cares on him. When such petitions are tempered by a prayerful, submissive state of mind, our cares are transformed from worldly aspirations to much more noble objects such as seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is how the peace of God guards our hearts.

When we are aware of what God has done for us; what he is doing for us; and what he will do for us, we cannot help but be thankful. We are encouraged to give thanks to God continually. When we are focusing on our blessings it is difficult to be distracted by anxious care. This is the perfect remedy for our anxiety.

The peace which God supplies is not merely a freedom from external troubles, but stems from a deep-seated harmony with God. God promises to guard our hearts through “prayer” which rests everything on him; through “supplication” which acknowledges our dependence on him; and by “thanksgiving” which recognizes the blessings from him.

By George Slover
 

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