HAND IT OVER!

 

 

Floods. Rain. Potholes. Impassable roads. Power outages. Mud. Mosquitoes. Humidity. Loss.

It seems that in many parts of Australia right now, this has become the norm.

 

We, here in Katherine, have not been immune to the disasters so many are facing. The past couple of weeks have been interesting to say the least.

 

If you read the news at all, you will know that our little town was hit by a flood 2 weeks ago, and we are currently, thanks to Cyclone Narelle, on the verge of a second one, possibly bigger than the last.

 

As devastating as this has been for many people, I didn’t come on here to talk of floods. But I did want to mention them in leading up to what God has put on my heart to share.

 

I’m sure you are all familiar with Philippians 4:6?

 

Philippians 4:6 KJV - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

A couple of years back, in our Ladies Bible Study, we took just over 10 months to work our way through the book of Philippians, verse by verse, word by word. It was such a blessing to dig into the book so intensely and we all learned so much through studying it. But, for me personally, chapter 4 was the ultimate highlight, so much so that I am in the albeit slow process of memorizing it. It is so full of treasures and exhortation and comfort.

 

When we come to verse 6, we are met with an all too familiar phrase and well memorized verse.

“Be careful for nothing”.

 

Some of your translations will read, “be anxious for nothing” and I think that the word anxious is a word that resonates so strongly with us as it holds more meaning in our modern understanding.

 

When you read this phrase, have you ever gotten just a little frustrated with Paul because, I mean, seriously, “don’t be anxious”?? What is even meant by that? Are we supposed to never have a care in the world? Are we never to be bothered with worry?

 

Look with me at how the word is defined in the Greek text.

 

The word “careful” is the Greek word merimnao. Ok, so what, you say. Stay with me. This word doesn’t just mean, anxious, distracted, worried, troubled, concerned. It doesn’t mean to never feel stress or never worry.

 

This particular word literally means to be pulled in different directions. It means to be mentally divided. It means half in today, half in tomorrow.  

 

When anxiety grips our soul, we are pulled in different directions. So, Paul was telling his readers not to have a divided mind. Not to allow themselves to be pulled in different directions. He wasn’t telling them never to have a worry or care. He was reminding them to stop living tomorrow today.

 

Something I read recently really convicted me and hit home a little too hard.

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it”

 

OUCH!

 

Anxiety says, “I have to figure it out”

Prayer says, “Hand it over”

 

So, what does this mean?

 

The antidote, the cure, to anxiety, is NOT calm. IT IS SURRENDER!

 

Yeah, I know. Hard right?

 

This is something I struggle with on a daily basis. If I’m being completely honest, I think I’m a bit of a control freak. I find it really hard to let go. I find it hard to surrender my will. And I find it hard to release control, loosen my grip, and rest in the Lord, in the full sense of the word.

 

But I’m here to give you some really good news. The verse doesn’t end at “nothing”.

It ends with prayer. Prayer, petition, thanksgiving. Go ahead, read it again. I’ll wait.

 

Philippians 4:6 KJV - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

If you’re struggling with anxiety today, as you face life’s difficult circumstances, there is a process and maybe you’re skipping it.

 

Often, we use prayer as our last resort. When we have exhausted all our options, leaned a little too hard on our own understanding, tried walking uphill through the mud in a blinding thunderstorm.

 

Why? Why? Why? Why do we continue in our determined efforts to ‘fix’ it ourselves?

 

We need to read the end of the verse. Do you see that little word, ‘but’? Now, I’m no grammar student, but I do know that this word is a powerful conjunction, that in the Word of God introduces contrast and divine intervention. It often marks a pivotal moment. And here in this verse we see that we are told, don’t be anxious, but – and here is the answer! Prayer!

 

Did you know that you can’t just think your way out of something? Who’s tried it? Does it work? Nope. Not for me either.

 

You can’t think your way out of it; you have to pray your way through it! And you are promised verse 7.

 

Philippians 4:7 KJV - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

That’s right. We are promised peace. And not just any peace, but a peace that is beyond human comprehension! That means it won’t make sense to you. It won’t make sense that you can be in such trying times and yet, still have peace!

 

Let’s just backtrack a little to a needed order. How do we do it? How do we remain stayed? Not pulled in different directions. By prayer. Firstly, prayer.

 

Not firstly, going to others. Not firstly, trying to fix it ourselves. No. Going to God first. Through prayer and supplication. This has to do with asking in sincerity. Bringing our requests to God. And then, after our asking, thanksgiving.

 

If you know me at all, you knew I’d end up here. GRATITUDE IS KEY!

This is the important piece of the puzzle. Don’t just take my word for it. Look for yourself. The scripture is full of exhortations to be grateful. (Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:15-17)

(If you would like to read more on this subject of how the brain works in relation to anxiety and gratitude then please read this post.... FLIP THE SWITCH)

 

Practically speaking, Philippians 4:6 gives us a model for how we should deal with our anxiety. Now, I know there are many facets to dealing with anxious thoughts, and I have written and spoken about them many times, but I think what we have in this verse is a simple, laid out formula for peace.

 

First, we reject worry. (make it a point to take your thoughts captive, name them, see them for what they are, and then reject the lies- 2 Corinthians 10:5)

Second, we ask God for what we need. (Pour out your heart to him and specifically name what it is you desire- don’t be afraid to be honest with God)

Third, we take time to be thankful. (Spend time praising him and thanking him for what he has done and is doing in your life and be grateful for all his blessings – be specific!)

Finally, we rest in him, knowing that he will bring the peace we need. (Surrender to him)

 

We are not anxious because life is hard. We are anxious because we are still trying to hold onto it.

 

What are you carrying right now that you need to give to God? Ask yourself the question, “Did my heavenly Father ask me to carry this?” And if he didn’t, then surrender it. Lay it down.

 

Don’t continue to be pulled in different directions. Surrender. Stop trying to control. Trust in God’s plan. Trust his hand. Rest in him.

 

One of the hardest parts of our faith is not believing. It’s surrendering.