Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Paul uses the neuter singular here to mean every matter, every concern that troubles us. We are not made of iron, unmoved by temptation; our consolation is to unburden ourselves entirely into God's bosom. Prayer brings peace to the mind, but only when we actually pray; so run to prayer as to a sacred refuge whenever temptation strikes. Thanksgiving must join our petitions, lest we pray amiss, full of complaints as though God had wronged us.
AI summary
His affection for them burned hot: they were his beloved, his longing, his joy, his crown. He calls them brethren though he was an apostle, because all renewed by one Spirit are brothers. Warm affection must go with brotherly relation. He had no joy greater than hearing of their spiritual health. This is how tenderness works: it makes exhortation cut deeper and carry farther.
AI summary
Commenting on Philippians 4:1-9
This forbids anxious solicitude for worldly things, the immoderate concern that springs from distrust of God's power and faithfulness; not prudent care for body, family, and lawful labor. That care is a duty. But do not let pressing worry master you; cast your case upon the Lord and leave it there. The carefulness Paul condemns is the distressing kind, born of negligence toward God's providence.
AI summary