Be Anxious For Nothing

(Philippians 4:4-13)

In God’s time, Paul founded the church in Philippi, located in Macedonia, Greece. Paul maintained a close and special relationship with the disciples. Lydia and the Philippian jailer were early converts in that church and they were noted for their hospitality. The brethren sent aid to Paul in prison through Epaphroditus. While on the errand, Epaphroditus became seriously ill, almost to the point of death. However, God had mercy on him and he recovered. Paul sent Epaphroditus back to Philippi with a letter to relieve the Philippians’ minds about Epaphroditus illness, to give them news of the latest development regarding his imprisonment, and to express his joy over the Philippians’ support.

Paul did not allow sorrows to affect his joy in Christ. Though he was in prison, his focus was on the desire for the gospel to be preached, even among Caesar’s household. Paul’s joy was certainly not dependent on his personal circumstances. So, why was Paul joyful?

• He had learned to be content in all circumstances (Phil 4:11)
• He knew how to live humbly (Phil 4:12a)
• He knew how to live in prosperity (Phil 4:12a)
• He had learned to deal with whatever came his way; he did so through the power of his Lord (Phil 11-13). He had learned to be dependent on God. Hence the statement:
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul urges Christians to be joyful and to exercise faith and dependence on God through prayer (Phil 4:4-7); be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The Lord is at hand when we call upon Him in prayer. God is able to supply all our need (Phil 4:19). Unceasing prayer with thanksgiving is a source of continuing joy and peace of God. We should recognize how great God is and show Him appreciation for the things He has already done for us. Subsequently, we are able to truly cast all cares on Him; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7).

Paul urges us to focus and meditate on things that are of virtue and praiseworthy (Phil 4:8); to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4); and to let not our joy be dependent on circumstances.  If we put our hope on nothing else but Jesus Christ, and cast all our cares on Him, we should be anxious for nothing. Then we can say,

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I put my hope in Jesus Christ when I believed Him to be the Son of God. I acted on that belief by repenting of my sins, confessing Him as Lord and submitting to baptism by immersion in water (just like the Eunuch of Ethiopia). I was united with Christ and saved in baptism. It is my prayer to live faithfully and wait for the crown of glory in Gods time.