The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6).  Now, let that sink in:  anxious about nothing.  What a tall order!  And yet, we need to be discerning and reflect on just what is and isn’t being taught in this verse.  Here’s a crucial question:  what’s the difference between proper concern and sinful worry?

In fact, if we’re not concerned about the good of others, can we say we love them?  Life confronts us with real dangers, and it is right to recognize potential harm and act to prevent it—it’s right to act quickly and stop that child who is running into the street.  That’s not sinful worry.  It’s mature concern for the good of others and it moves us to take action.  But wallowing in worry—that’s another thing.   That’s contrary to faith. 

Back to Philippians 4:  by reading on in the immediate context, we quickly see that the alternative to a life of worry is prayer:  “But in everything … let your requests be made known to God” (v 7).   So if our so-called “anxiety” prompts us to pray and cry out for God’s strong and loving intervention, I wouldn’t call it “anxiety”—maybe better to think of that attitude as loving, Christ-like concern.

In fact, if we’re not concerned for the good of others, we won’t pray for them.  What prompts us to make our requests to God?  It’s faith in God’s goodness and power, and loving concern for those about whom we appeal to the Father.

So, let’s let prayer be the judge:  are your “worries” really wrong?  If they spiral down into self-absorbed negativity and prayerless­ness, then they’re turning your heart away from God.  Those worries are sinful.  And, thankfully, those worries can be forgiven.  Confess them to God; he’s gracious and willing to show mercy to all who turn (or return) to him in humble prayer (1 John 1:9)! 

And prayer brings “the peace of God” (Phil. 4:7). Peace comes, not when we get all of our desired outcomes from prayer, but as we roll our burdens off our backs and into God’s care (1 Peter 5:7).