Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made
known to God;

I have never liked this verse. Yes, I am always anxious about something. And here is Paul, a instrument of God, telling me that I am totally doing it ALL wrong. Isn't Anxiety the way of the world? Aren't we supposed to "Want", the latest thing? Doesn't society tell us it is OK to "lust" after the things of this world? If I don't have the same truck that a celebrity drives, with 4 wheel drive, more torque then the other guys, more payload then the other trucks out there, more handling, better gas mileage..... Then I need to find a way of acquiring that truck. I need to stress over it, be anxious about it, make it happen, then stress over how I am going to make the payments. Isn't THAT the American way? Why would I need 4 wheel drive anyway, I live in the city and the roughest terrain I drive over is the speed bumps at the shopping center?

I remember when I was about 13, my folks were in the market to buy a new car. This was about 1970 or so. We test drove several cars, one, in particular I remember because it was a Cadillac. My sister and I loved that car, it had so much room in the back seat, four doors, automatic locks, even cup holders in the back seat. We ended up getting a more practical car, because that was the smartest move. At least that is what our folks told us. Years later, my Mom mentioned to my sister, that she had asked God to help her decide what to do. He told her that whatever she could trust Him for, was the right move. So, she realized, the less stressful decision for her and my Dad, was to get a car that got better gas millage and was not as expensive. About a year or so later, gas prices rose like never before, in my lifetime. Looking back, I know God would have provided even if we had bought the Cadillac, but it was easier to not have to be anxious about it.

It's really easy to be anxious for things these days. We see the condition the world is in and headed, and are anxious to get outta here. "Please Lord, come quickly". There is a reason Jesus Christ has not come back for us yet, and only God knows the reason. He has everything planned out, every detail, every life. You see, when Jesus does return for His children, it will be glorious for us, but terrible for those left behind. (Why do I always think of Kurt Cameron when I hear that phrase?) Many people will have just set there destination, and it is forever. God, although, happy to have us in Heaven with Him, will mourn the loss, and eternal separation of those that have made their choice. Yeah, I know, there will be those that will die for Jesus during this time and come to Heaven. But this percentage, I believe will be very small. I mean, if you cannot live for Him before, what are the chances your going to do so after the Resurrection?

OK, Anxiety, one of the main contributors to heart attacks, strokes, and many many illness' in our world. And thousands of years, before we had any idea about high blood pressure, high cholesterol, good or bad, calories, ................Paul tells us through the Holy Spirit, to stop being anxious. God knew this would make us sick, kill us if not stopped. So what was Doctor Paul's prescription? ..."in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." In the "Chris Version" of Philippians (available in the lobby for only 29.95 :)) "Don" worry about anything, just bring all your needs and wants, make a list if you want, to ME, and thank me for answering in advance as a act of trust on your part, and then sleep peaceably knowing that I will answer." I used the term here: "Needs AND WANTS", this does not mean be selfish and tell God your Christmas list from a seven year old. You see, when we start to grow in the Lord, our wants and our needs, start to line up.

Another thing, I believe, Paul with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, is trying to tell us is this: "How can you completely trust the Lord your God, if you worry over things that He will take care of by just asking? If your so worried about things, then how can you trust? I don't believe trust and worry can occupy the same brain at the same time. You either trust, or you worry, not both. By worrying, are you doubting? Yes, your showing God that you do not trust that He can do what He has said He will do. You have NO idea how much that last statement has "stepped on my toes".


I come from a long line of "worriers" not "warriors", but "Worriers". My Dad worry's about everything, literately everything. He knows this goes against everything God stands for, but it seems he can't help himself. Our family has "Put up" with him for our whole lives, but we have not prayed for him to have peace from worrying, nearly as much as complained. My Mom, did, she prayed for her husband to feel God's touch, and KNOW HIM so deeply that he could not worry. And through the years, this has helped, until another bill came due, and Dad fell into anxiety again. I believe Worry,for my Dad is an addiction, it is someplace familiar, safe. My Sister and I say all the time that if Dad has nothing to worry about he will make something up. I feel this is a bondage he has gotten into over years and years. I pray for my Dad to be released from the bondage of worry right now, Lord Jesus. And I pray that anyone who is reading this right, and also the writer, me, will not worry, but in "thanksgiving, with prayer and supplication let OUR request be known to, THE ONLY LIVING God"

I believe the song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" (In God) would apply here. You can do one of two things, Worry or Be Happy. Worry, or anxiety robs your joy, your happiness everything that God wants to give you. How can we have a Hope in God, if we are worried about the fact that there is a thunderstorm forecast for tonight, and power might go off? Where is our hope when there is enough money to pay God's tithes, or the car payment but not both? What do you do? You ask God, and I have done this, He told me to pay Him what is His, and He would take care of the rest. He did, I paid my tithes, and got an unexpected bonus at work for making "Employee of the Month, (The only time I ever made "Employee of the Month.) From our blessings He expects US to bless others.

It's hard most of the time, to not worry about stuff, But it is honoring God when we don't. To completely trust the Lord, is to Praise Him. To trust Him, though, is to listen to Him. How can He answer our needs if we don't follow His lead? AND, this is important: Listen for Him to tell US when someone else has a need, and He wants US to help them. God uses US to help each other. So He will bless us, help us, show us that we are loved by Him. Then He expects us to pass it own by helping others in need, or "Just Because">

One Last note here: To my fried Kurt, Please notice there is not ONE reference to a TV show, or movie in this entire blog:) I am making progress:) Love ya brother. I appreciate anyone who reads these blogs, I know without a doubt, they help me, and hopefully you too. Thanks guys.