Be anxious for... nothing? - Emily Woodard
The Letter to the Philippians is one of the more well-known and well-loved of the Pauline epistles. And it is so for good reason. Its focus on joy/rejoicing, its number of familiar verses (e.g., 1:6, 1:21, 3:7, 3:12, 4:13) and the beautifully poetic and instructive passage at the beginning of chapter 2 all contribute to the appeal of the short book. Yet, there is one phrase contained in it that has always slightly troubled me as I tried to understand the Apostle. I have worried about how to appropriately interpret and apply his words, given the weight of the topic he was addressing. Ironically (given my worry), the phrase, found in 4:6, is “do not be anxious about anything.” Anxiety is a sensitive and weighty topic, and the task of handling a verse dealing with the subject is not one that can be treated lightly. People can experience anxiety for a number of reasons (1) so pointing towards Scripture’s exhortations in Philippians 4 regarding anxiety, thanksgiving, and prayer is a task that demands much wisdom in order to “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). I recently found help my own understanding of Paul’s command in Philippians 4:6 by following a fundamental rule of Scripture interpretation. . .pay attention to the context.
In Philippians 4, as Nick Napier noted in the March 7th article for seventeen82, Paul begins to conclude his epistle by connecting his final comments to earlier parts of the letter. In 4:1, for example, he urges the Philippians to “stand firm,” using words from his first exhortation to them in 1:27. Likewise, his instruction to Euodia and Syntyche to “agree in the Lord” (ESV) is translated in the KJV as “have the same mind in the Lord,” which points the reader back to the mention of the mind in 2:2 and 2:5. As Nick pointed out, the women referenced in 4:2 become an object lesson for the teaching of Paul found throughout the letter. In verse 4 of chapter 4, Paul’s command to rejoice ties into the theme of joy and rejoicing seen in 1:4, 18, 25; 2:2, 17, 18, etc. Later in chapter 4 (vv. 4,15), Paul will speak of the fellowship and partnership of the Philippians with him in his ministry, an idea with which he opened his letter (1:5). This isn’t to say that Paul couldn’t (or didn’t) introduce new topics or material in chapter 4, he is not just repeating what he’s already said. But noticing how he’s tying themes together and relating commands to instruction he has already given is helpful background for a verse like 4:6.
It’s important to note that the word translated “anxious” in 4:6 is used in a positive sense in 2:20 of Timothy who is uniquely and selflessly “genuinely concerned” for the welfare of the Philippians. This dual usage of the term seems to point to the existence of other elements (like context) that are needed to determine whether it is used in a positive or negative sense. The question then becomes one of motive and heart. What are you “being careful” (KJV) or anxious about? Does it have to do with being concerned for the interest of others, like Timothy was, and like we are all exhorted to be in 2:4? Or does it have to do with “being careful” or anxious about your own interests? The instruction towards humility and selfless care for others given in chapter 2 is a wonderful lens through which to view the command of 4:6. As you seek to imitate the humility found in the mind of Christ by looking to the interests of others, it becomes hard to “be careful” or “anxious” to promote your own interests.
An interesting implication of the connection between the exhortations found in Philippians to cultivate humility of mind and to not be anxious is that pride becomes the antagonist of both. Just as pride leads one to act in selfish ambition and conceit (rather than in humility considering others more significant), it can also manifest in our actions as we try to take control of situations. Pride says, “I can handle the situation, Ican control it.” Or, “I understand this and can find the best solution.” But that kind of prideful attitude, without the actual omnipotence or omniscience to solve our problems, only serves to manufacture anxiety. Humility, on the other hand, says, “I am not God, I don’t have the answers. I don’t have the power to change other people or the situation, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, I will present my requests to God.” (2)
So while the very mention of the word “anxious” can sometimes serve to produce anxiety (speaking to myself, here), it is helpful to remember that God’s instruction toward Christlikeness, especially in humility, is the context for his command to “be anxious for nothing.” And in that, we can rejoice.