Are you experiencing suffering? Have you encountered a prolonged period of suffering, perhaps depression, stress, or anxiety? How do we keep faith in God, and even find joy in that season? Let’s examine how Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:4-8.

Philippians 4:4-8 (ESV)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

The Root of Anxiety

The root of anxiety, as simple as it may sound, is doubt. We can express doubt about ourselves, others, and even God. Doubt is simply our innately sinful way of forgetting God’s character, promises and design. This is the nature of our sin, that in our time of need we can forget so quickly and easily all the times God provided for us in the past – see how quickly the Israelites forgot God’s provision for them in Exodus 32:1-5.

Sometimes, our situation feels overwhelming. Our limited understanding prevents us from seeing how God might work His infinite kindness in it. We can forget that he has designed us to delight in him, to have a relationship with him. We can forget how others have influenced us, encouraged us and supported us (physically, financially, emotionally etc.).

You Are Not Alone

When we suffer, our first instinct is often to wonder if we are alone in it. Often the first thing we ask ourselves when experiencing suffering or trials is: “am I the only one?“ It is common to fear that we might be getting singled out for something we have done against God or somebody else. Another common fear is that no one else will understand our suffering.

It is then for good reason that Paul addresses the issue. Firstly, it is normal to suffer. In fact, it is practically guaranteed. Looking back in Philippians (context is always important), we see how Paul has described his Christian journey (3:7-10). In 1 Peter 5:10, the author contrasts the guaranteed suffering on earth with the promise of the future glory and body with God in heaven. Paul challenges us even more directly in Romans 5:3-5, to think of our trials and tribulations as opportunities to grow and understand God’s grace and mercy to greater depths. James 1:2-4 entrenches this idea of rejoicing in trials for the fruit it produces. There are plenty more verses on this theme, and it is worth exploring continuously, both in times of need and in times of plenty.

Encouragement = Instruction

Paul is unequivocal in his instructions:

• Rejoice (verse 4).
• Do not be anxious (verse 6).
• Think about honorable and praiseworthy things (verse 8).

He does this because we all experience suffering at some point in our lives. It is completely normal. However, the way we respond distinguishes us from the world.

Paul’s statements of encouragement embodies a double-edged metaphor of a father and child:

• The father has one arm around his child, telling them to do their best, with the understanding that he loves and supports them no matter what.
• The father takes his child by the shoulders and urges them to do their best, with the knowledge that the child’s actions show their heart, and can make a difference for their own experience as well as that of those around them!

An important implication is that the solution is not to beat ourselves up for having these thoughts/feelings, but rather to instruct ourselves (in much the same way as Paul is instructing us here) to have faith, and to rejoice in the promise that God will help us. 

Faith is the antidote to doubt. Everyone, even the non-believer, puts their faith in something they believe they can hold onto. The only difference is what you put your faith in. As believers, we put our faith in the One who holds all things together, not in ourselves or the temporary things of the world. He has already been – and continues to be – faithful in countless ways towards us every single day.

Let that bring you peace which surpasses all understanding. Why? Because God has given us the ability to have a relationship with him, before we ever did anything right. And because there is already grace for our failings, as long as we continue to trust in Jesus.

Practical Application:

1. Take some time to write down areas you feel might be sources of stress/anxiety/doubt in your life.
2. Pray about them.
3. Share your prayer points with those you trust, so that others can know your vulnerabilities and support you both practically and in prayer.
4. Have you considered Christian counseling for any deep, traumatic, or recurring issues? Speak with someone in your local church about how and where to seek proper help.