IN EVERY SITUATION

 

May 10, 2023

Philippians 4:6-7 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Jesus followers in the first-century church had a great deal to be anxious about. While it was true that following Jesus was joyful and brought great freedom spiritually. There was also persecution and threats, even death for some followers of “the way.” It was a very tense period to be a Christian.

It is in such hostile circumstances that the apostle Paul encourages his fellow believers in Philippi with a promise from God that when you submit your anxiety to Him, He brings peace.

Paul, perhaps more than anyone, knew this peace. The peace that rose above every hardship, every difficulty. He would write later to the church in Corinth: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) Paul knew that God's peace was not dependent on any circumstance, but could be present even in the most extreme of situations.

“In every situation”, Paul says, bring your requests to God. There is nothing too small for you to pray about, and bring to God. 

Whatever the source of your anxiety (typically rooted in fear), God is greater. It should be stated that it may take time and concerted effort for you to learn to bring your anxiety to Him, but I want you to know, it is worth every effort in order to experience His lasting peace.