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Anxious For Everything

The only memories of my perception regarding the scriptures in Philippians 4 are centered on what I thought to be a commandment to "be anxious for nothing". It has been a serious struggle for me to overcome the confusion my mind has developed into a semi-aversion to this "command". Until recently, the mere thought of this scripture would only enhance my anxieties. I was stuck on the idea of being anxious for "nothing" when, in fact, I was anxious for almost everything. I was anxious over all the tiny little enormous obsessions of to-do lists, project completions, broken relationships with friends because of the demands of school and work, fast-approaching deadlines, my personal rate of success, self-image, fulfilling my beloved duties as wife and granddaughter, nutrition and exercise, attending to my precious nieces and nephews, and emotional growth in study of The Word (just to name a few) were all contributing factors to my ever-increasing and overwhelming anxiety. Then I read or listen to a message that I'm supposed to not be anxious at all; heavy conviction sets in because I currently have been prescribed two types of medication for anxiety (and depression). No doubt this means I am a poor Christian example and glaring hypocrite; I am in opposition to the scripture AND take man-made supplements to ease what I should freely give to Christ.  Clearly I am in direct contradiction to this command I've been reading about lately.
Today I read the entire chapter; all twenty-three verses. My heart and mind are astonished at what seems to be the actual purpose of this portion of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. He wasn't commanding them to take control of their anxieties and get a grip on life; he was encouraging them. (4) He tells them twice to Rejoice! (5) He reminds them of the importance to allow their gentleness to be seen and that The Lord is not far away, but very close. (6) He encourages them to release their anxieties. (7) He relays the promise of His peace to guard their hearts and minds. (8) He gives them a list of things to think about instead of what is worrying them. (9) He challenges them to mimic him. (10) He thanks them for their concern and hospitality towards him. (12) He validates his position by explaining he has learned the secret to contentment in feast and/or famine. (13) He recognizes that it wasn't his skills that afforded him that ability, rather the strength of Christ. (14) He exalts them for their practice of giving freely and with a happy heart. (19) He releases another promise that God will meet their needs according to His riches because of their willingness to give a care for others and the advancement of The Message. (20) He reminds them that the glory is the Lord's. (21-23) He signs off with greetings and encourages them to greet each other with love.
After reading the entire chapter, I am, again, reminded of how easy it is for me to take a piece of something I hear or read and develop an interpretation for what I think is being communicated, yet usually turns out to be completely inaccurate. This morning I have been dealing with some heaviness in the way of anxiety because of the nine-hundred-kajillion-teen things I need to accomplish before my week-long work trip beginning on Monday morning. I sat down to mark one thing off my list -- weekly final, devotional, and some additional work on the final project -- only to be revitalized by what I've read, understood, and described here for me to read later when I'm crazy in my anxiety again.  
Be blessed and encouraged. 

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