July 04 2026

Saturday July 04

“God’s Cure for Anxiety”

Philippians 4:6a

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today, I first want to say, Happy Fourth of July! I pray that as you celebrate our country's history—250 years of God's blessing upon this nation—you will remember the tremendous price that has been paid by so many people to give us the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy in this great country. I have traveled to many countries all over the world, and I want to tell you that, despite all the problems, difficulties, and challenges our country faces today, I would still rather live here than anywhere else in the world. So would most of the rest of the world.

Do you realize that throughout most of human history, only a small percentage of people have ever enjoyed the freedom and opportunity that we have experienced in America? We truly are a blessed people. Those blessings did not come without a tremendous price. Generations of brave men and women sacrificed so that we could enjoy these liberties, and above all, we should thank God, whose providence has so graciously blessed this nation.

Now, that brings us to a great verse as we face many difficult times and challenges in our nation and throughout our world. It is Philippians 4:6, one of the most beloved passages in all the Bible, where Paul writes: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Today we are going to focus on those opening words: "Be careful for nothing."

When we read that verse today, the word "careful" does not mean being cautious or thoughtful. It means to be anxious, worried, or filled with care. Paul is literally saying, "Don't be anxious about anything." Now think about who is writing these words. Paul is sitting in a Roman prison. He does not know whether he will be released or executed. He is chained to a Roman soldier, yet at the same time he tells us not to worry. How could he say that?

I am convinced it is because Paul had learned that worry never solves the problem. It only steals today's strength. Someone has wisely said, "Worry is like a rocking chair. It'll give you something to do, but it won't take you anywhere." Jesus addressed this very issue in Matthew chapter 6. Three times He said, "Take no thought." In other words, "Don't be anxious." He then points us to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. He reminds us that if our Heavenly Father faithfully feeds the birds and beautifully clothes the flowers, how much more will He care for His own children?

You see, worry is really a faith issue. It assumes that God may not take care of us. It questions His wisdom. It doubts His love. It forgets His promises. Now, that does not mean we ignore our problems or pretend they do not exist. It means that we choose to trust the God who is greater than every problem or challenge we will ever face.

Peter gives us a perfect companion verse in 1 Peter 5:7 when he says: "Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you." What a wonderful exchange! We give Him our cares, and He gives us His care. Perhaps today you are carrying a burden that no one else knows about—financial pressures, health concerns, family struggles, a wayward child, or an uncertain future. My friend, the Lord knows, and He cares. He invites you to bring every burden to Him.

Every time anxiety knocks at the door of your heart, let it become an alarm reminding you that you are not trusting the Lord as you should. Let that alarm turn your heart back toward Him so that you can trust Him with everything you are facing right now and every challenge that lies ahead. As you do that day by day, I am telling you, you will experience a life filled with greater peace, joy, and true happiness.

Let's pray. Father, forgive us for the times we have allowed worry to control our hearts instead of trusting You. Thank You that You know every burden we carry and that You care for us more than we could ever imagine. Help us to cast every care upon You and to rest in Your unfailing love. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful wonderful day!