Bible Basics

Don't Be Anxious

After telling the Philippians that “the Lord is at hand,” Paul then says, “Be anxious in nothing” (Phil. 4:6). One of the great challenges for every Christian is to keep a proper perspective of what’s truly important in life. We tend to become so consumed and concerned with the affairs of our daily routine that the spiritual is quickly overshadowed by the physical. The result is an anxiety that will destroy all quality of life. “Be anxious in nothing” is a command not to be ignored. It is in stark contrast to the command “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). The fact is, nothing will destroy our joy in Christ quicker or more completely than anxiety. Does this mean that the child of God is to live his life without concern for anything pertaining to this life? Certainly not. We do have physical responsibilities that require our care and concern. Timothy cared for the Philippians (2:20) and Paul had the same concern for all the churches (2 Cor. 11:28). But we must not allow our legitimate concerns to turn into anxiety over material matters so that we lose not only a proper perspective of life, but we lose our faith. Anxiety is the result of looking to one’s self rather than to God for the solution to the problems of life. We must remember, “The Lord is at hand.” He is ever near as our helper (cf. 1 Peter 5:7).

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics