Prayers and suffering 538 - 6 - 2

Philippians 4:5, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” At hand is a primary verb and a wonderful confirmation of the coming of the Lord. G43, near (literally or figuratively, of place or time.

Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

As CM pointed out and according to Strong’s G3308 the verb careful in verse 6 could be expressed as “to be anxious about, take thought.” Further, it comes from G3308, “through the idea of distraction.”

How very much energy do we waste by being anxious about things we have little or no control over? Not only a waste of energy but also a distraction from the knowledge of our true source of comfort.

Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

G1516, Peace, quietness, rest.

G1722, Through, primary preposition position fixed

With thanks to e-sword, rest is used throughout the Bible. One usage is as a feminine noun indicating feathers or wings, of an eagle spreading its wings to carry its young, metaphorically of the wings of protection which the Lord gives those who rest under them.

As an aside, the above brings to mind Matthew 23:37, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

IMO, if we keep our mind stayed on Jesus we can rest in the assurance that things all work out according to His will. To me, thankfulness is before, during and after prayer.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul gives us very wise words, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Life happens and how I react to is up to me.