Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There is so much in these two verses! But I won’t hold you long 😁🫰🏽. First, let’s tackle being anxious: the Greek word used for anxious is merimnaō (mer-im-nah’-o) which means to be troubled with cares; we’re always concerned about it, looking out for it, and allow it to be weighty on our minds. Basically, God is saying to us ‘Do not be troubled about anything’. And really quick, I want to encourage those that are waiting for prayers to be answered; waiting for confirmation; tired and worn out: God heard you and He has you. The first line of verse 6 always hits because most of us experience anxiety (or moments of it) frequently, being that it can sometimes have a strong grip. It's so sneaky and many don't realize it until late/a negative result comes from it. We act as if God is not in reality, or the stories we hear only exist in days of old. God is a God of Ancient Days, He's the God of Now and His Son is still the Peace that surpasses all understanding. Our understanding has to match the reality of who God IS, and who He always WILL BE.
Next, we’ll look at the literal definition of supplication which is an action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly. You may look at ‘begging’ the same way I did at first— if so! let’s release that pride together, sis. We are reading this verse in reference to who God is, and if He is who I beg, then so be it. Not saying that we have to beg Him all the time—we can definitely go to Him boldly!!—however, in this context, we are troubled about something; worried about a situation and we NEED God to look on it before it gets us too low. That’s a feeling of defeat, low-key, when we’re not confident and we are supposed to know Who has our best interest at heart. Boldness in a concern tied to anxiety may start to look like obsession and worry, so let’s be real and humble about this. Prayer is how we speak to God—that’s a given, yes? The language doesn’t have to be fancy, well-spoken or well-written, it just has to be REAL. Also!! Your posture (literal AND figurative) is highly important, anxious or not. Your literal posture can be kneeling, standing, laying down, etc. but that figurative/HEART posture must be humble, earnest, and full of thanksgiving.
Lastly, the result of earnestly giving our request over to God and receiving Peace, which is His lovely Son, Jesus. Be so in love with Jesus that peace overwhelms you when you think on Him and how He’ll come through for you, your family, and anything else. The switch has to happen in prayer where you trade your worry for Jesus. When He came, it was for a major purpose of salvation; we should remember His accomplishments, and trust in one of the many results of it: setting captives free. You’re free, sis. Be free from what troubles you have because Jesus is an answer.
And for the folks who may only read that at the surface, let me try to expand that statement: Jesus is the answer, and we are led by Him, correct? God did not make us for just ourselves; we are all meant for relationship—with Him and others around us. Find them (with His guidance) or get active so they can find you. Jesus is the answer to all, however, don’t ignore life around you. You never know who He will send your way for you to help or who will help you—either way! Your obedience is your breakthrough. I hope that makes sense.
For this week's workshop, reflect on what bothers you, write out everything that concerns you and ask God not only to deal with it but also clarify to you how to wait in Peace.
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