From Streams in the Desert, Vol. 2, “December 10,”
by Mrs. Charles Cowman

“Be Careful for Nothing”* (Philippians 4:6)

Do you cross rivers before you come to them, dread troubles that never come, expect evil from the Lord instead of good? In other words, is your soul full of unnecessary care? For that is what the word careful means—unnecessary care.

“Do not worry” is a plain and simple command, but it is such a difficult one to follow.

“There is nothing which we cannot pray about. Go deeper into the text: ‘But in every thing by prayer and supplication… let your requests be made known unto God.’* (Philippians 4:6) What we can take to God we can trust to God. What we put our fidelity into, He will perfect by His faithfulness. While we work for the best, He works the best for us. We may not succeed as we hoped; we may have discipline we little expected, but the Father knows what His child needs. What God has for us to do we can do, or to bear we can bear. Is there not enough in His ocean to fill our pitcher? With the need of every day will come His promised supply—‘My grace is sufficient for thee.’* (2 Corinthians 12:9)

“Do not forget the words further on in the text: ‘with thanksgiving.’ Be on the lookout for mercies. Blessings brighten when we count them. Out of the determination of the heart, the eyes see. If you want to be gloomy, there’s gloom enough to keep you glum; if you want to be glad, there’s gleam enough to keep you glad. Better lose count in enumerating your blessings than lose your blessings in telling your troubles.

“Unbraid the verse into three cords and bind yourself to God with them in trustful, prayerful, thankful bonds—Anxious for nothing, Prayerful for everything, Thankful for anything—‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’* (Philippians 4:7)” (Maltbie Babcock; Thoughts for Everyday Living)