He Cares, He Can

Philippians 4:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

“Don’t worry about it!” The voice of the used car dealer rang in my ears as I sat by my broken-down car, wishing that I had worried about it while I was on the car lot.  The fact was that he didn’t know much about the car he was selling, nor have the care or power to fix anything.  His direction that I shouldn’t worry turned out to be especially hollow.  But when the Lord tells us not to be anxious, we should listen.  The Greek word merimnao means to be troubled with cares and we are here COMMANDED with a present active imperative not to be troubled by our cares.  But why?  What are we to do with our burdens and fears?  We are meant to make our requests known to God.  This tells us two very important things about the Lord.  First, he Cares.  Second, He can.  The Lord commands us not to be burdened with our worries – because for Him they are light, and we were never meant to bear them.