The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:6, “BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING.” Simply put, “No worries, don’t worry about it.”

Right above that statement, Paul declares, “REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS: AND AGAIN, I SAY REJOICE.”

You might think Paul is sending a “Wish You Were Here” postcard from the beach of the Mediterranean. However, far from it: He is sending this from Nero’s Roman imprisonment.

The overwhelming attitude of Paul appears to be joy. The word joy or rejoice appears some 16 times in this letter.

Paul isn’t denying there are struggles and concerns in life; he even points out a few within their church. (Do churches have struggles and worries?)  There was a concern about false teachers trying to add to Salvation, by one’s work.

The attitude of self-righteousness was apparent, so Paul points out the need to focus on the humility of Christ. There was such an obvious contention between two women of the church that they are mentioned by name. Ouch! Philippians 4:2; “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”

I remember their names by calling them “You Ought to See Us (Euodias) and “So Touchy” (Syntyche).  

Paul still gives the command to “BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING.” It may be surprising that with things that could cause worry occurring in the church, they get a command to no worry. The idea of “be careful means not to be anxious. Do not be FULL OF CARES.

So, how do we deal with these life struggles and not let them overtake our lives? One of the many answers is in the rest of this verse, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. When the cares come the immediate call is to prayer. In everything, we are told. I’ve heard people say I don’t want to bother God with the small stuff I will pray when it gets too big. What?!

The word “but” shows that what follows contrasts with what has just been written. So, the contrast/opposite of not being anxious is prayer and supplications. Three words are used here 1. Prayer: In general, talking to God in Worship, Praise, Confession. 2. Supplications: a strong Need, Petition, Pleading. 3. Requests: specific desires of the heart.

Couple this with Thanksgiving, and the result is (4:7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.