Our nation is in turmoil. The challenges we are facing today are not new; however, we do have Someone we can turn to for answers. God is the ultimate resource in times of trouble!

There are many Bible passages that can provide us with guidance to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed by adversity, but one that truly stands out to give us hope among stressful situations is found in Philippians 4:4-9. If anyone should have experienced worry and anxiety, it was the Apostle Paul. He was persecuted by both the Jews and the Romans; he was afflicted by a “thorn in the flesh”; and, of course, he had an overwhelming concern for the spiritual condition of those to whom he ministered. We can read a short outline of some of his calamities in 2 Corinthians 11:22-23. Yet he could find peace in the midst of adversity through his faith in the Lord. He shared his steps to peace with God in his letter to the church at Philippi. He said:

1. “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Remember that Christ is the Lord of our lives and all the circumstances surrounding them. We rejoice in the Lord because we know that nothing can happen to us that God cannot use for our benefit. Our joy is not dependent on the circumstances, but on the fact that God is in control of those circumstances.

2. “Let your moderation be known unto all men” (Philippians 4:5). When we are yielded to God, we will live moderately in an outward sense. The degree of our inward yieldedness will manifest itself in outward moderation and be a witness to others about our trust in the Lord. It will, in addition, bring comfort in the place of conflict in our lives.

3. “Prayer” (Philippians 4:6-7). The entire passage tells us to be careful, or anxious, about nothing, but make our requests known to God through prayer and supplication “with thanksgiving.” Petition to God for the problems of the present should include thanking Him for what He has done for us in the past. Not only are our thanks due Him, but also, recalling such events increases our faith for the present distresses. We are told here that the result is “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Whether or not God addresses our specific circumstances here and now, He does promise to give us peace in them!

4. “Think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). In this verse, Paul gives us a list of “positives” and commands us to focus on them. In so doing, they will replace worry in our hearts and minds.

Finally, in verse 9, Paul holds himself up as an example to his readers and says essentially, “What you have witnessed from me, do the same thing” and again promises, “the God of peace shall be with you.”

From the world’s standpoint, Paul’s life could probably be considered a failure. But from a Christian standpoint, he was a tremendous success, having penned approximately half the books of the New Testament. Despite hardship, he could say at the end of his life, just prior to martyrdom:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” 2 Timothy 4:7.

In times of trouble it is important to pray for one another. We are committed to praying for our country during these tumultuous times. We are also committed to praying for you. In return, your prayers would be a tremendous encouragement to us as we share the Gospel and seek to provide answers to those who are seeking TRUTH.