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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4.6
We’re all familiar with St Paul’s wonderful words in Philippians 4. Yet we all know the challenge of them becoming a reality for us. There is so much to be anxious about. In fact, the statistics on the rise of mental health challenges in a place like Australia are striking. As I understand it these are consistent with the numbers in other western nations.
The Australian Bureau Statistics reports that in 2024
1 in 5 adults will experience mental health problems throughout a year
1 in 4 adolescents have a mental health illness
1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys suffer from an anxiety or disorder
1 in 7 primary school kids have a mental health illness
Scary isn’t it! I recently read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt in which he explores the impact of the rise of smart phones and what he calls the rewiring of childhood and adolescence. It’s a deeply disturbing book and provides a basis for understanding and responding to the mental health crisis impacting many young people. As we reflect on the scriptures, we should also acknowledge that people with ongoing anxiety challenges should seek out professional medical assistance.
All of which bring us back to Paul’s words in Philippians 4.6.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
What do we make of this? Are these just some lovely pious words that sound nice but in reality aren‘t going to help me or my child with anxiety? On the other hand, is it remarkably contemporary in addressing this most fundamental of human experiences?
St Paul starts off by urging us in verse 4 to Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.
It’s important as a Christian person when we’re anxious to start off by thanking God and rejoicing in our knowledge of him and his love of us. It helps us to see that God is God and we are his person, and he wants the best for us. It doesn’t solve our problems, but it may help us to be ready to bring before him that which is causing us tension. It’s a way of seeking to get things into perspective.
In verse 5 we’re reminded that The Lord is near!
Isn’t it great to know you’re not alone. Our God is available 24/7, anywhere, any time? It may not always feel like it, but the Lord is close by. Pray on this basis and begin to be ready to bring before him that which is causing you stress and tension.
Do not be anxious about anything, but
It’s good to be aware that we are all anxious about many things and all of us have things that we are incredibly concerned about. Don’t think that there is anything that is too small or insignificant for God. It’s also really important to have the but in there! This statement is not meant to be read on its own! God invites us to come before him and to pray and he is aware and concerned about our sense of anxiety.
But in every situation, by prayer and petition
What an invitation from God – in every situation – big and small, today, this week, this year. For you personally, for your family, for our church at this time, for our world with its many conflicts and turmoil, for our nation and for the many people who are suffering at this time. We are invited to pray, to come before God, to lay out our tensions, our anxieties, our difficulties and to make them known to him.
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
As you bring your requests to God then give thanks in advance that he knows, he cares, he hears and he will give you the help and wisdom you need.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God promises us his peace. That is his inner assurance that he is in control and that whatever you’re facing is something he will give you strength and help to deal with. This isn’t saying that he will take your problems away or that whatever you’re facing will suddenly change. Recently I was awake at 3 o’clock in the morning and feeling stressed about a situation where I felt like I had been left to sort out an issue all on my own. In the midst of that I had a very clear sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence saying to me that I should trust him and not feel like I had to sort it all out myself. In other word’s I knew his peace!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4.6
Bishop Stephen Hale
Acting General Secretary of EFAC Global,
A Mission Partner of the GSFA
