Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This verse teaches us not to worry but instead take everything to God in prayer. It contains some key principles for dealing with anxiety and finding peace.
The Command to Not Be Anxious
The verse opens with a clear command from Paul: “Do not be anxious about anything.” This is not a suggestion, but a directive. As believers, we are not to be controlled or consumed by worry, fear, or anxiety. This command applies to “anything” – nothing is too big or too small to bring before the Lord. He cares about it all (1 Peter 5:7).
What exactly does it mean to be “anxious?” The Greek word used here is “merimnao” which means “to be worried about, distracted, drawn in different directions.” It refers to fearful concern and preoccupation that divides your mind and pulls you apart emotionally. This robs you of peace and contentment in Christ.
Paul says we should not allow anxiety to dominate our thinking. This does not mean we will never feel anxious about anything. But we are not to dwell on it or let it paralyze us. Anxiety often arises from thinking that is out of alignment with the truth and promises of God. We must take those thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
The Antidote to Anxiety
Paul not only tells us what not to do, but also what to do instead. Rather than being anxious, we are to take everything to God in prayer. The passage outlines several aspects involved in doing this effectively:
1. Prayer
“By prayer” means making our requests known to God. This means talking honestly with Him about what we are facing. We don’t need to sugar-coat things or hide our real feelings from God. He wants us to openly share our burdens with Him, no matter how ugly, messy or complicated they may be (Psalm 62:8).
Prayeracknowledges our dependence on God. We recognize through prayer that controlling outcomes is beyond our capability. Prayer humbles us before God as we admit our limitations and seek His supernatural wisdom, power and intervention.
Regular prayer is the antidote to anxiety. Keeping an ongoing spirit of prayer dissipates worry and dread. As we give things over to the Lord in prayer, it lifts the weight from our shoulders and lightens our spirit. Prayer is the key that opens the door to God’s peace in every life circumstance.
2. Petition
Not only does this verse call us to pray, but to make specific “petitions” or requests of God. Meaning our prayers should include presenting our needs and desires before Him. God invites us to ask Him for what we want or need in tangible ways. He cares about the details of our lives.
God encourages us to be bold and honest in our petitions. Consider these promises:
“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
God may not grant our requests exactly as we ask or desire. But He wants us to spell out our petitions to Him and trust His greater plan and timing.
3. Thanksgiving
Prayer is to be combined with an attitude of thanksgiving. This means focusing our minds on the blessings God has already given us, and thanking Him for His faithfulness and goodness.
Thanking God in the midst of difficulties may seem counter-intuitive. Yet it is vital for maintaining proper perspective. Gratitude keeps our eyes on the giver rather than the gifts alone. It reminds us of God’s provision in the past, giving courage for the future.
Thankfulness also shows we believe God can bring good out of the situation, no matter how bleak it may seem. He works all things together for our benefit (Romans 8:28). Thanking Him demonstrates faith in His sovereignty and wisdom.
4. Present Your Requests
The verse concludes with the instruction to actually “present your requests to God.” Don’t merely think about your needs, discuss them with others or dwell on them internally. Take it all to the Lord diligently and consistently.
This requires initiative and discipline. We must be intentional about carrying our cares to God. It will not happen automatically. Consistent prayer takes effort and commitment. Yet it opens the door for God’s peace to guard our anxious hearts.
Presenting our requests means surrendering them completely into God’s hands. Release the weight of those concerns to Him. Trust that He will act, in His way and time, according to His perfect will and unfailing love.
A Lifestyle, Not a Formula
While Philippians 4:6 gives us a wonderful model for prayer, we must remember it is not merely a formula to follow. The key is developing a consistent lifestyle of prayer, characterized by the attitudes described here – humility, boldness, thanksgiving, surrender.
Prayer must become as natural as breathing – our automatic response to every situation that arises. As we cultivate a spirit of continual prayer, anxiety will diminish and peace will rule our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).
Practical Tips for Applying This Verse
How can we live out the truth of Philippians 4:6 more fully in our daily lives? Consider implementing some of these practical suggestions:
1. Memorize the verse
Memorizing Philippians 4:6 helps us internalize its truth. Then it is readily available when we need to apply it. Post it in visible places and review it regularly until it becomes firmly planted in your mind.
2. Pray through the verse
Slowly pray through each phrase of the verse, personalizing it. For example “Lord, I choose not to be anxious about _____ . I give this situation to you in prayer. My requests are _____. Thank you for _____. I present this need to you now. I surrender the outcome and trust you fully with it.”
3. Make a prayer list
Write down all your cares and concerns and bring them before God each day in prayer. Review your list in His presence and release those burdens to Him anew. Keep the list where you can access it for regular prayer.
4. Pray with a trusted friend
Ask a spiritually mature Christian friend to regularly pray with you through the principles of Philippians 4:6. There is power in joining another believer before God’s throne of grace regarding your struggles.
5. thank God in advance
By faith, thank Him that He is already working out His purposes in the matter, even when you cannot yet see the solution. Trust He is able to do far more than you could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Biblical Examples of Applying This Truth
There are many examples in Scripture of godly men and women who cast their cares on the Lord as Philippians 4:6 instructs:
David
David was honest and vulnerable in bringing his anxiety and troubles to God in prayer throughout the Psalms. Notice his raw transparency combined with trust in God’s sovereignty in Psalm 13.
Hezekiah
When facing the overwhelming threat of the Assyrian army, King Hezekiah “spread [the threatening letters] before the Lord” and prayed boldly for deliverance (Isaiah 37:14-20). God answered mightily through just one angel!
Jehosophat
When an invading army came against Judah, Jehosophat led the people in prayer and worship before God (2 Chronicles 20:1-30). The Lord set ambushes against the enemy and they destroyed themselves!
Paul
Paul prayed earnestly three times for the thorn in his flesh to be removed. Though God did not take it away, He gave sufficient grace and strengthened Paul spiritually through the trial (2 Cor 12:7-10).
Jesus
Even Jesus, the Son of God, practiced the truth of Philippians 4:6. He cast His cares on the Father through prayer – whether for Himself (Luke 5:16) or others (John 17).
The Blessings of Applying This Verse
What are the benefits of following Philippians 4:6 when we feel anxious or overwhelmed by life’s challenges?
1. Peace
Doing as the verse instructs leads to the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” guarding our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). This supernatural peace is greater than we can intellectually grasp.
2. Freedom
Casting our cares on the Lord frees us from the heavy burden of worrying and trying to control everything ourselves. It lifts the weight from our shoulders.
3. Perspective
Prayer with thanksgiving reminds us of God’s faithfulness in the past. This gives us proper perspective for the future. We recall that He has brought us through before.
4. Strength
Rather than being consumed with anxiety, taking our cares to God leaves room for the joy of the Lord to strengthen us (Nehemiah 8:10). His joy is our strength through every trial.
5. Deeper Faith
Each time we see God answer prayer and display His power in response to our needs, it builds our trust in Him. This strengthens our faith for future difficulties.
Further Bible Verses on Dealing with Anxiety
Here are some additional key passages that speak to overcoming fear and anxiety through faith in God:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
In Closing
Philippians 4:6 provides a powerful antidote to anxiety. As we pray about everything, presenting our specific requests to God with thanksgiving, His perfect peace can rule our hearts and minds no matter what we face. Casting our cares on the Lord frees us from the crippling weight of worry and allows His joy to be our strength. By God’s grace, anxiety will diminish as we develop a lifestyle of prayer following the model of Philippians 4:6.
