Cares which come upon us

Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 2 Cor. 11:28

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

The Greek words for "care" and "be careful" are related and both have to do with anxiety. In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle admits that he was daily assaulted with anxieties about the churches. But does this contradict his instruction to the Philippian churches to be not anxious for anything?

No, it does not; rather, it shows us that Paul knew what he was talking about. He knew how to deal with anxiety because he was no stranger to it. Cares came upon him, unbidden, and we will often find that to be the case with us. There are many things to worry about. We are daily confronted with problems. The life of faith is not a life free from stress. It is not wafting through life on clouds of bliss and joy. Sometimes, it is very, very hard. Sometimes it is very, very discouraging. That doesn't mean we are in the wrong path or doing the wrong thing. It just means that we live in a fallen world.

What are we to do with cares which come upon us daily? When cares come to you, take them to God. We are to do what Paul says we are to do: take them to the Lord by prayer and supplication. Lay them at his feet. Ask for his help and counsel. Do it with thanksgiving lest we forget God's kindness in the midst of grief and pain.

What will happen when we do this? "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Not a peace that we figure out or that we deduce or which we arrive at through reason but a peace directly given to us by God. This is the only peace to have; for it is the only peace that is real and lasting.

Believer, bring your cares to God!