By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - NIV
Needs of life are real. No food or hope of the next meal, a failing health condition of a loved one, pending bills, no proper shelter, threat to our safety and security, are needs that concern anyone. Neither is God blind to these things. He is a practical God and knows we have those needs. His word is full of promises for normal day to day practical concerns of life. He expects us to ask Him for them.
God knows and He cares that we have these needs met. Paul adviced the Philipians that instead of being anxious about these needs, bring them as requests to God in prayer and petition with a thankful heart. In response, God will first give His peace to settle our hearts and minds from the anxiety caused by the needs. A state of anxiety, if not well managed, can lead to inappropriate reactions and worse state of life, affecting our relationship with God and others.
Apart from peacefully settling our minds, God promises to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory (Phil 4:19). He does this in various ways; by blessing the diligent work of our hands, giving ideas, providing links to right people, and sometimes (for immediate urgent needs) through supernatural means. God is a strategic planner. For sustainability in the long run, He inspires long term plans and ideas as we trust Him. But we should be ready to work.
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Shalom children of God.