Sabbath Reflections: Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Yahweh. – Philippians 4:6

“TIA!”

In case you didn’t know, that’s internet, text, and email slang for “Thanks in advance!”

We often use this acronym when asking for help, advice, or recommendations on social media.

We say thank you before the help has even been received.

It’s as if we know in advance that our online community – friends, family, neighbors, and even complete strangers – will come through for us. We’re expecting it. There’s not a single shred of doubt in our minds.

Philippians 4:6 was our memory verse a few weeks ago.

We’ve been in a habit of memorizing Scripture – just one verse or short passage every week.

Since I started this habit years ago, it has made such a difference for me in my faith and walk with God.

Whenever I feel disconnected, overwhelmed, overstimulated, or discouraged…

and I want to pray but my mind is too chaotic…

I’ll speak God’s Word out loud and it instantly grounds me.

When I first began to practice saying this verse out loud from memory, I’d always forget one part: with thanksgiving.

When I realized that, it made me wonder: why don’t we approach God with the same hopeful expectation when we pray?

Why don’t we give him thanks before the prayer is even answered?

“Thanks in advance!”

With thanksgiving.

This is how Philippians 4:6 tells us to pray.

Confident.

Knowing that He will answer.

Knowing that He hears our prayers and has the solution…

because He IS the solution.

(Want to start memorizing Scripture, too? I’ve created a free resource that makes it super easy to embed God’s word in your heart each week. You can sign up for it here.)