2. But having performed duty, we are not to be careful as to consequences.—(1) Because unnecessary. Christ cares. (2) Because useless. It cannot ward off the evil. The evil only in imagination. The evil often a good. Itself the greatest evil.
3. Because positively sinful.—(1) It breaks a commandment. (2) It sets aside promises. (3) It undervalues experience. (4) It distrusts God’s wisdom and goodness. (5) It is rebellion against God’s arrangements. (6) It is an intrusion into God’s province.
4. Because hurtful and injurious.—(1) It often deters from duty. (2) It destroys the comforts of duty.
II. Counsel or advice as to the manner in which the evil is to be avoided.—“But in everything by prayer and supplication.” 1. The correction is not a needless and reckless indifference. 2. The emphatic word here is “everything.” This describes the range of prayer. This precept is generally neglected. 3. The performance of this duty would correct carefulness. It places everything under God’s government, and leaves it there. It leads to a study of the Divine will in secular affairs. Our prospects and plans are thus tested. It gives to every event the character of an answer to prayer—evil as well as good. Prayer, i.e. direct entreaty or petition. Supplication, i.e. deprecation. Thanksgiving for all past and present.
III. A promise as to the results of following this counsel or advice.—“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds.”
1. The mind and the heart are the seat of care.—The mind calculates, imagines. The heart feels fear, grief, despair.
2. The mind and heart are made the seat of peace.—“The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.” The peace which God has flows from unity, from omnipotence. This is the peace of God, because He gives it.
3. This peace comes through Jesus Christ.—He produces the unity. He encircles with omnipotence.—Stewart.
Vers. 6, 7. Anxious Care.
I. The evil to be avoided.—1. Care is excessive when it is inconsistent with peace and quietness. 2. When it induces loss of temper. 3. When it makes us distrustful of Providence. 4. When it hurries us into any improper course of conduct. (1) Anxiety is useless. (2) Is positively injurious. (3) Exerts a mischievous influence on others. (4) Is criminal.