Many times I have sought the guidance of others in troubling times and their advice was often the same, “Just trust in the Lord,” would frequently be their response. Of course I must admit this advice is the best that anyone could receive; but the application of it is where I often struggled. This verse however unlocks the secret to having the peace of God in any circumstance. It is like a golden key that releases us from the dungeon of despair or the remedy to cure the sickness of anxiety. Let us now examine it more closely in hope that God the Holy Spirit may apply it to our hearts.

    Our text first begins with the phrase, “Be careful for nothing.” This means not to fret, be troubled, or be anxious in any circumstance. In other words we are not to worry. Easier said than done of course, but God does not leave us here alone, He has built us a bridge to cross. He not only gives good advice, but shows us how to obtain it.“But in every thing by prayer and supplication.” This means in every trouble or trial we face we are to pray. But not just prayer, “supplication”; prayer is general supplication is specific. That is we are to bring definite detailed request to the Lord. We are to come before Him with earnest and sincere petitions that we desire of Him. “Ask, and it shall be given you.” (Matthew 7:7). Certainly God the Father understands our needs before we ask, but when we are specific; we are taking each burden and casting it upon Him. This is therapeutic to the soul. One burden at a time we are giving them to the Lord. With every petition our load gets lighter. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

    Yes we are to come in prayer and supplication, but also “with thanksgiving”. A thankful heart is a happy heart. Being thankful for the blessings God has given us brings contentment for the present and hope for the future. Things are not as bad as they seem when we count our blessings. Prayer is not just for asking, but also for praising. Worship gives us the needed confidence in God for the petitions that we have asked for. God can supply all our needs according to the riches of glory because of who He is. Thankful means we are grateful for the things we have received, If He has done it in the past He can surely do it again today. One writer once stated, “We should be anxious for nothing, prayerful for everything, and thankful for anything.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Josh Greene
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6-7-09