"In nothing be anxious" can sound impossible if you read it as a command to stop feeling. Read the whole sentence and it gives you somewhere to take the worry, which changes it from a scolding into a way through.
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6 (ASV)
The verse does not stop at "do not be anxious." It carries straight on into what to do with the worry: pray, ask, and bring it to God with thanks, so it has somewhere to land.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (ASV)
Then comes the promise. God's peace stands guard over your heart and mind while you wait, even with the problem still sitting in front of you.
So the verse is an exchange. You hand God the worry, and He hands back a peace that does not depend on the outcome. The peace guards you even before anything changes.
Next time anxiety rises, move it toward God in prayer instead of trying to hold it down, and let the peace do its work.
Read the Word, every day.
New verses through the day, a daily devotional, and a prayer for whatever you bring to God. Free, on iOS and Android.
Join the waitlist →
