KJV · Featured Verse
Philippians 4:6-7
“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.”
Philippians 4:6-7 — KJV
What This Verse Means
Paul wrote these words from prison — which makes them remarkable. 'Be careful for nothing' means 'be anxious about nothing.' The antidote isn't simply stop worrying — it's replace worry with prayer. The structure is specific: bring everything to God with thanksgiving (not just petition), and the result is a peace that doesn't make logical sense. It 'guards' your heart and mind — the Greek word is a military term for a garrison protecting a city.
Historical Context
Paul wrote Philippians from prison in Rome, approximately 61 AD. The church at Philippi was one he loved deeply. Despite his circumstances, this letter is the most joy-filled of all Paul's writings — which gives these words on anxiety and peace a profound authority.
Cross References
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 — KJV
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Isaiah 26:3 — KJV
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.”
Matthew 6:25 — KJV
A Prayer Based on This Verse
Lord, I bring you everything I have been carrying in worry and fear. I don't just ask — I thank you, even now, for who you are and what you have already done. Replace my anxiety with the peace that only you can give. Guard my mind from the thoughts that spiral. Guard my heart from the fear that overwhelms. Let your peace stand watch over me today. Amen.