These verses were included in the previous Bible study Notes, but I am taking another run at them from a different, and probably more common aspect.
Verses 6 & 7 are often used (if not exclusively) to assuage worry. You know what I mean. You are concerned about an issue or circumstance; or trials and troubles beset you. Some well-meaning Christian will quote this verse. And it is an appropriate encouragement (See also: 1 Pet. 5:6-9). They may also quote Rom. 8:28. Also a valid application.
These verses are a tool box of Christian teaching about anxiety, or thanksgiving, or prayer and supplication, and the peace of God.
Verses 6-9 can thought of an exhortation on gaining peace in or with yourself. It is not about self-help. It is about three aspects of Christian life:
- Meditate (vs. 8)
- Practice (vs. 9)
-Work on exercising these, and Peace will be yours (vss. 7, 9).
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6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Vs. 6 - “ Be anxious for nothing ” - Jesus tells us that we are not to worry. He loves us and cares for us.
- Being anxious gains you nothing. (See: Matt. 6:25, 27, 28).
- Don’t worry (Matt. 6:31, 34).
- Don’t let your hearts be troubled. (John 14:2)
- Following Jesus is not burdensome. (Matt. 11:30)
- Christ cares for us. (1 Pet. 5:7)
- “ by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving ” - We can work for things - outcomes which can be achieved by our labors. We can pray for things - those which are completely beyond our abilities, knowledge and powers. We work and pray for things - work alone can never bring about some events or solutions. Don’t over-estimate your abilities and skills.
Gratefulness, or being thankful to the Lord for all things is part of the key. Whether it is eternal life or an abundant life, all of it is from Jesus. None of your life is because you have earned it. Salvation is a gift from God. We have life in Jesus and only in Jesus. We can claim victory in Christ. He has done it all. On the cross He said, “It is finished!” The resurrection proved it! (See: Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:4-9
- “ Let your requests be made known ” - Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Because Jesus lives and is seated at the right hand of God the Father - because we are His possession - he makes intercession for us with God. (See: Heb. 7:25)
Why? Because He cares for us. (1 Pet. 5:7)
God knows what we need. (Matt. 6:8)
If we ask anything in His name and according to His will, these things will be granted. (John 13:14; 1 John 5:14,15)
Why take on burdens we can’t handle?
Vs. 7 -“peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” - See notes on verse 9, in notes to follow, below.
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