Be Anxious for Nothing: What Does It Mean?
To be anxious for nothing means leaving anxiety, fear and worry behind in our day-to-day lives. As Christians, we don’t have to be afraid of anything because we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28).
God uses all circumstances — whether good or bad — for his glory and our growth. Knowing this, we can rejoice in the Lord always.
Be Anxious for Nothing Scripture
The specific wording “be anxious for nothing” comes from Philippians 4:6 in the New King James Version of the Bible.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
The New International Version phrases Philippians 4:6 this way, which might be a bit easier to understand:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
This well-known verse is part of the Apostle Paul’s exhortation, encouragement and prayer for the Christians in Philippi. He wrote the book of Philippians while imprisoned in Rome, encouraging them to follow his example and to speak the Word of God “without fear” (Philippians 1:14), even when persecuted.
What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety?
While it’s inevitable that we’ll have feelings of anxiety, we don’t have to get lost in them. God’s Word gives specific instructions for handling anxiety. Philippians 4:6 tells us we can “be anxious for nothing” when we:
- Pray.
- Petition.
- Express gratitude.
- Trust God.
People talk to God, or pray, for many reasons — to give thanks, adoration and praise or to ask for forgiveness. But one of the most common prayers we may pray will include a request of our heavenly Father, a petition.
When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in Matthew 6, he instructed them to ask God for what they need. Matthew 6:11 (NIV) says, “Give us today our daily bread.” In other words, we should ask God to give us what we need to sustain us. When we’re dealing with anxiety, that might be peace or comfort.
So to be anxious for nothing, we should follow Jesus’ example and ask our Father for help through prayer. We can also loosen anxiety’s grip on us by:
- Noticing and interrupting anxious thoughts when they arise and replacing them with the truth (read a Scripture about anxiety and pray).
- Spending time every day in the presence of God.
- Organizing a personal or group Bible study around Philippians 3 and 4.
- Reading daily devotionals about trusting Jesus.
- Seeing a Christian counselor who can help you change anxious thinking patterns.
Be Anxious for Nothing Example: Child Poverty & the Work of Compassion
What does Philippians 4:6 look like in action? Let’s look at one example. Many of us want to help and serve others in need, but sometimes the state of the world is scary. The problems we see, such as child poverty, violence against children and the global food crisis, can feel overwhelming.
But the Lord is near to us. We don’t have to be anxious or scared. Just before the “be anxious for nothing” verse, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:4-5, NIV).
Knowing that the Lord is near, we’re free to leave anxiety and fear behind. We can rejoice — because we’re not alone in anything we face. God is with us, and he is always working to bring good from every situation.
So instead of feeling afraid, we can focus on moving with compassion and offering mercy to those in need.
For people living in poverty, the potential for worry is endless. Where will our next meal come from? Will I be able to afford my child’s medicine? How will I pay for shelter this month?
When we leave our anxiety and fear behind, we’re free to serve those living in poverty, providing for their needs and introducing them to the Prince of Peace. And that’s exactly what we do at Compassion. Daily, we show children in need that they too can be free from anxiety and experience peace and hope.
Our local church partners around the world share this truth with children every day. And child sponsors help ease children’s worries by providing practical support and sending encouragement. You can join our local church partners in this work by sponsoring a child.
How Does Compassion Work to Release Children From Poverty in Jesus’ Name?
Compassion cares for the critical right-now and long-term needs of children living in poverty. In partnership with the local church, we deliver nutrition support, medical care and other immediate necessities, as well as education, spiritual mentorship and vocational training to set up children for success in the long term.
As a result, children have what they need to grow up with healthy bodies, strong minds and confidence in God. With their needs met, they’re able to journey out of poverty and be released in Jesus’ name.
One way we help children is through child sponsorship. Through our child sponsorship program, our church partners provide:
- The hope of the gospel.
- Medical checkups and health care.
- Health and hygiene training.
- Educational assistance, including tuition, textbooks, uniforms and more.
- Key life skills training, mentoring and vocational programs.
- Nutritious food and supplements to protect against malnutrition.
- Recreational activities and support for developing self-confidence and social skills.
- Protection from crime, violence and danger.
- Access to emergency services like surgeries and disaster relief.
When you sponsor a child, you’ll not only help us provide all of the above, but you’ll also personally encourage them by sending them messages, just like Paul encouraged the church in Philippi.
Help Children Living in Poverty to Be Anxious for Nothing
Philippians 4:7 (NIV) says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Instead of being anxious, we can have peace, even in the midst of turmoil.
The same goes for children in poverty. But it’s up to us to help them see the peace only found in Jesus. Share peace with a child today by donating to a cause or sponsoring a child.