Eventually there will come a moment in life, when you don’t know what to do. When life begins to slowly but surely spin out of control, how do you respond?
For some, the future is different today than it was last night or last week or last month or last year.
It’s different because of the uncertainty of the Coronavirus.
It’s different because you found out that you or someone you love has cancer.
It’s different because your marriage is struggling.
It’s different because your job situation has suddenly changed.
It’s different because school is cancelled the remainder of the semester.
What makes these moments even harder is that we don’t know how long this is going to last!
The fascinating thing about the Bible is that nearly every single author wrote during major times of uncertainty and tragedy and doubt.
The Bible is example after example of stress, uncertainty, pain, plagues, and death.
Let’s just peel back the layer, can we? The challenging part of the Bible is that what want to find the answers we are seeking.
We want to know we will be okay. We want to find a physical cure for the Coronavirus or another illness.
The truth is the desire for many is that we want God to make things the way they were before all of this or the way WE want them to be.
And it is in the midst of this context, for followers of Jesus, there is an incredible opportunity to show the world the difference He makes.
God’s light shines brightest in our darkest hours.
In Philippisans 4:4-9, Paul is writing about remaining calm in the midst of circumtances we don’t choose.
In Philippians 4:6a, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything.”
Paul says WORRY ABOUT NOTHING.
It’s interesting that the Bible app, YouVersion, does a study every year about the most shared, hilighted and searched verse of the year. In 2109, this was the verse.
When we worry about things, they get bigger and bigger. The Bible says, “Do not worry about anything.” Maybe the hardest command to obey.
Paul goes on to write, “In everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6b)
Paul says PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING
“In everything…” God is interested in everything in our lives. “Requests/Petition” is a specific, detailed request. Get specific with God. Tell Him exactly what you want and what you need. Don’t pray general, vague prayers but be specific. “God, I’m under stress. I’m tense, I’m nervous.” Be specific about it.
Psalm 46:1, we are reminded that “God is our refuge and strength and our ever-present help in times of trouble.”
God is ready and able to hear what is causing us worry.
Paul says, “… in everything … with thanksgiving …” (Philippians 4:6c)
Paul says THANK GOD FOR ALL THINGS
I Thesalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
There is always something we can thank God for regardless of what we are experiencing at the moment.
Then Paul shares that when we worry about nothing, pray about everything, and thank God for all things, God grants us His peace.
The peace that most of us have circumstacial peace. It is a peace that is dependent on a wrinkle-free life.
The peace of God is not that. The Bible says that it “transcends all understanding” = it doesn’t make any sense! Literally it “surpasses every thought of man.”
The peace of God is connected to His character and His presence.
The word “heart” in Scripture refers to our emotions. The word “guard or keep” in the Greek is a military term. It means a sentry guard, a garrison, or a detachment of soldiers. The book of Philippians was written to a group of people who lived in the city of Philippi in Greece. The city of Philippi was a Roman colony that was protected by the Roman legion. The people knew this word very well for they knew the Roman legion kept the peace in Philippi. Paul used the word that he knew everybody would know and says, that’s the way God will guard your mind and heart when you have a relationship with Jesus Christ and trust Him moment by moment. Instead of worrying about everything, you pray about everything. And you thank God for all things and keep your mind on the right things. God will put a garrison, a sentry guard, around your heart and when worry comes knocking at the door He will protect you with His peace.
What Paul is saying under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is that if we will get real with God and we will unpack our fears and hand it to Him, God will give you a peace and this peace will stand guard over your emotions and thoughts… and no one will understand it. There will be a definite difference in the way we live our lives.
The starting point of that purpose is to understand that He made you for a relationship. He wants you to know Him. And when you know Him there is a sense of peace that comes into your life.
