Philippians 4:6 – Verse of the Day 7/26/13

 
Paul concludes his letter to the Philippians with a series of exhortations, and his instructions about prayer include some of his most famous instructions. It is important to remember that not all anxiety is sinful, for earlier in Philippians Paul speaks of a proper form of anxiety expressed as a concern for others (2:20). Improper anxiety, on the other hand, is the kind that reflects a lack of trust in God. Therefore, prayer, as an expression of genuine trust in God, is the perfect antidote for such sinful anxiety.

As you pray, consider the areas in your life that make you feel anxious. Is your anxiety the result of a loving concern for others or rather a lack of trust in God? Ask the Lord to help you to trust Him by giving you a genuine desire to spend time with Him in prayer. Take comfort from the fact that God Himself invites us to pray and promises to hear us.