Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

One of the first reactions for the average human when facing a trial, specifically one that cannot be seen by the naked eye, is fear. We often fear what we do not understand. I don’t believe this to be abnormal, but the Apostle Paul gives us a solid roadmap to follow when fear and anxiety start to rear its ugly head.

Anytime we face a command in Scripture, like Paul’s, “Do not be anxious about anything.” We can assume that fear and anxiety are natural tendencies for the average human. Knowing that bent, we also know that Christ came to “set us free” from the bondage of the flesh to give us a new life that has numerous promises; all grounded in love from a sovereign and holy God.

One of the benefits of being in the situation we find ourselves in as Christians is the resurgence of a desire to pray. Often times we run to God when the kettle is boiling over and He welcomes that return. So, how do we combat the fear and anxiety that threatens our prayer life? Well, according to Paul, we do it with “thanksgiving.” All of our prayer and supplication is not rooted in our emotion, but in our ability to see and be thankful for what God has already provided. This grounds us, despite our real fears, and allows us to view God rightly in all circumstances.

The command to not be infected with an anxious heart comes with a prescription; be thankful. As you pray today, what are you thankful for? Meditate on those things and then bring your requests before the Lord in accordance with His Will.

Be Encouraged,