When our automobile comes to a stop sign, the intent of the law is for us to come to a complete halt. Disobeying this injunction can result in disaster for us and others.
It was this kind of authoritative force that Paul used when he told the Philippian believers and us, "Do not be anxious about anything . . ." (Phil. 4:6). The original Greek statement is in the imperative tense, calling for the abrupt stoppage of an action. The rich fullness of the Greek can be read in this way: Stop perpetually worrying about even one very little thing.

What an amazing command! God is actually forbidding us to worry or fret about anything. Of course, there are normal concerns, but that is not what the Bible is talking about. It is allowing little or no room for God's peace to abide. "Just stop it and don't do it anymore," Paul commands.

Easy to say, hard to do. Right? Well, the doing of it is both hard and easy. Hard in the sense that God's Word often asks us to behave in ways contrary to our natural conduct. But it is also easy once we understand that God never asks us to do something for which he does not enable and equip us. Paul's divine prescription against worry is found in the remainder of Philippians 4:6 ". . . but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Paul says in essence that we should worry about nothing by praying about everything. Paul is not referring to a lethargic, generic kind of praying but vigorous, concentrated prayer of the highest sort. The word for prayer suggests the thought and activity of worship and devotion. It is coming to God and recognizing his power, wisdom, and presence. It is the kind of praying that basks in the greatness of God, exalting his ability to handle all of our worries in his sovereign wisdom.

The use of the word petition refers to our specific requests. This is a critical step if we are to truly experience freedom from worry. We first worship God and then present to him our very detailed situation that is causing us to fret. In effect, we are transferring our worrisome circumstance into the capable hands of Almighty God. We are plain, blunt, and to the point in our requests. We don't mince words. We tell God what is bothering us. Then we move into thanksgiving, grateful that our awesome God has heard our requests and will answer us according to his goodness and graciousness. We need not worry. God himself takes on our problems, and His peace replaces our apprehension. Worry is nothing but unbelief. Trusting God with our anxieties through reverent and definitive prayer is the way to stop worry in its destructive tracks and move through our day with the serenity that only God can give.

When I worry, I find it hard to pray. I realize now that prayer is exactly what I need to do in such times. Help me not to wander when I pray but to bring the very thing that troubles me to your attention. Then help me to trust in your ability to handle my worries. In Jesus' name. Amen.