DEVOTION

PHILIPPIANS

TO WORRY OR NOT TO WORRY


Phil 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
NIV

Well that is the question, should I not have concerns about my life? Should I not be concerned about where I live and how I am going to make a living? Should I not be concerned about how much money I have saved up for my future needs? Should I not have a genuine concern for my spouse and children, or my parents and other family members? Maybe there is a difference between concern and anxious. Yes, that is it.
Paul uses the word concern in verse 10 and here the Greek word carries the implication of to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be mentally disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience)
And this word anxious carries the idea of not being distracted by anything, distracted from what I must ask? Can I have an intensive interest in one thing, (say how I am going to get through this year) and still be distracted from another? Yes, distracted from the things of God. I can be so concerned about things, people, and even myself that I become anxious or distracted from what God is doing in my life. I must remember it is he who told me, if I seek him first, if he is my main intensive interest, my main concern, then all the other things will be cared for my him, he says he knows what I need and he will add them unto me.

Matt 6:33 as well as therefore do not worry (same get word, anxious) so there it is: but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to God. 7 and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. Simply put , stay focused on him! The answer is therefore not to worry!