Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

Overworked. Overstressed. Overwhelmed.

by

We’ve all been there, right?

We’ve all been in that place where it feels like every person we speak to needs something from us, and we can’t possibly say no to any of them. After all, what kind of person turns someone down who’s in need?

It’s easy when the problems brought to us are broken toys, teeth that have fallen out, or a shortage in the church nursery.

It’s a little harder when the problems are broken relationships, faith that has fallen by the wayside, or a shortage in the family budget that puts groceries on the chopping block.

We don’t just deal with our own issues, either. Not every need that comes our way is about us or our family. When we live in community with others – as anybody with an extended family or a church family does – we are regularly confronted with the hurts, needs, pains, and lapses of others, too. When we care about people, we celebrate when they celebrate, but we also hurt when they hurt. We grieve when they grieve. We pray as we try to find solutions to people’s tangible problems. Then we pray and try to find solutions for the intangible ones, too.

Let’s face it. We’re a problem-solving people.

Men kind of get a bad rap on that one. They get accused of trying to fix our problems when we just want to talk about them. Women do the same thing though. I was teaching a ladies’ class last week, and one of the women expressed a problem she was dealing with. Within seconds, every woman in that room was firing off suggestions, solutions, answers, and advice. Nope. Men are definitely no the only people who go into problem-solving mode when the opportunity arises.

It’s because we care. If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t bother trying to solve other people’s problems. Wanting to help people is a good thing.

Sometimes, though, we end up under a mess of problems. We have our own issues. Our family has issues. Our extended family has issues. Our brothers and sisters in Christ have issues, too. And we find ourselves drowning in the middle of it, no longer able to see which way is up or down, let alone forward.

What are we supposed to do when that happens?

The easy answer is Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

In other words, we can brute force our way through whatever we’re facing. That’s how we usually take that verse, right? I can do all things… We get all confused and think that the verse is telling us that we somehow have the ability to do whatever we think needs to be done.

That’s not quite what the verse is saying, though, is it?

If you back up a little bit, you see that we’re told to rejoice in the Lord (v 4) and to recognize that the Lord is at hand (v 5). When we recognize that Christ is with us, of course we’re going to rejoice! Then we’re told not to be anxious and to bring all our requests to God through prayer in thanksgiving (v 6). Rejoice! Have gratitude! Christ is with you! (Sometimes when I’m reminding myself about things, I have to yell loud enough for me to hear. Hence the exclamation marks. 😊) After that – when we’ve got the rejoicing and the gratitude down – and because Christ is with us – “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v 7). Happy sigh. Our worry and stress and anxiety has a hard time surviving in the midst of God’s peace. Amen to that!

It doesn’t end there, though. Next, we’re told to think about those things that are true (Christ), honorable (Christ), pure (Christ), lovely (Christ), commendable (Christ), and excellent (Christ) (v 8). Then we’re to put into practice all that we’ve learned in Christ – which I take to mean, at a minimum, everything in the preceding verses but also possibly everything in the rest of Scripture (v 9).

From there, Paul goes on to tell us that he rejoiced because of the Philippians concern for him (v 10) and that he has learned to be content no matter the situation (v 11). He has learned how to be content when he has little and when he has much, when he is brought low and when he abounds (v 12). Paul has learned to be content in whatever situation God has him, and that flows out of everything that comes before. He rejoices. He is grateful. The peace of God puts to rest Paul’s anxiety and concerns, allowing him to rest in contentment even when the situation doesn’t seem like it should warrant it.

Then, from that, we get verse thirteen – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

In this context, what has Christ strengthened Paul for? For peace. For contentment. For resting in the will of the Father even when it’s hard.

In today’s world where we’re so busy and often feel like we’re drowning under all the demands that are placed on us, this isn’t the verse we use as we’re trying to lift a burning car off the train tracks. This is the verse we use to help us find peace in the midst of the raging fire, the train bearing down, and the stray cat who’s determined to trip us in the midst of it all.

Peace. Rest. Contentment.

They’re commodities that can seem to be in really short supply, but they’re commodities that God gives freely to His children who seek Him.

Rejoice! Be grateful! Christ is with you!

And in Him, you can find peace and contentment, no matter the magnitude or number of storms you’re facing.

Heather Gray (145 Posts)

Heather Gray loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped. Despite their different lives and situations, Heather’s characters have something in common. They're all flawed...but loved anyway.


Comments

  1. Thank you for this post Heather, it’s a really insightful look at one of my favourite verses, it’s lovely to start the day with.

  3. Thank you! Such a good reminder that He gives us what we need, and that’s how we are strengthened in every circumstance.

  4. I really enjoyed your post today. I have reminded myself many times of that verse. It really helps.

  5. I love this! I have a stone that says “Relax…God is in control.” Like Paul, I’m learning to be content in all situations. During this season, even when there is turmoil around me, deep inside I still have God’s peace, and I just keep giving Him the turmoil, knowing that somehow, someway, He can use that. And, for this season, my “job” is to keep praying for the situation to work itself out, one way or another, and for God’s will to be done, to the extent that human will will let it. I have to remind myself that I can only control me, and God has the rest.

  7. I have loved that verse for a while and love your insights on the verses leading up to it. Thank you!

  9. Amen! Such a wonderful post this morning. I have been trying to embrace being content with what God has given me, being thankful for what He has given me, and resting in His unlimited grace. Philippians 4:8 has been popping up almost on a daily basis for me. I have it on a post-it note on my desk. Thank you for your inspirational words. Have a great day.

  14. This is a wonderful post. I really love all that was brought up. Yes, us women are trouble shooters when need be. Thanks for sharing.

  17. When I first saw the title and first part I thought this can also apply to health issues. The past month I have been dealing with a dental issue finally get the tooth out to get dry socket. after almost 5 weeks the pain is at a level I can now do things I couldn’t. I think it comes the same as being busy and not having the time to do everything. I have learnt we need to just slow down and accept when we can’t do everything and just be. (Pain teaches you that sometimes you need to readjust and it maybe God’s way of making you more aware. I know it makes me more reliant on him)

  20. Thank you for sharing such a lovely reflection! I needed to read that today, but it’s also a great reminder for always. God bless!

  22. Ha! I’ve known a lot of moms who thought their lives would slow down once their kids got into school – and then found themselves busier than ever. I’ve always kind of wondered if retirement is a bit like that – we think we’ll have time, but then we end up busier than ever. I’m glad your retirement experience thus far has been restful. :-)

  24. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Lori. We all (myself included!) need those reminders now and then. God is good, and in Him we have all we really need.

  25. So true! God has it all sorted. Our job is to walk in faith, trust in Him, and like you said – pray and keep giving it to Him. It sometimes helps me to remember that, from God’s perspective, whatever I’m dealing with is already pretty much done. I might still be walking through it, but God already knows the end result. Knowing that can help me to sometimes take that next breath – and that next step through whatever I’m dealing with at the moment.

  29. When I was in my 20s or so (maybe younger…) the phrase, “Whatever!” was a big deal. Teens said it to their parents all the time. (In fact, I said it just yesterday to a computer that wasn’t cooperating with me.) Anyway…there was this movement among Christian retailers to start making, “Whatever!” wall hangings, t-shirts, etc. They would say, “Whatever!” and then quote from Philippians 4:8. I can’t come across that verse ever without picturing a wall hanging in my mind. ^_^

  34. Ha. Trouble shooting. My husband would apply that to something technical – he troubleshoots equipment at his job all the time. I, however, think of navigating a peace treaty between warring factions of grade schoolers. Different perspectives, right? ^_^ Have a great day, Lori – and thank you for stopping by the blog!

  37. You are so right! I have a friend who has had a handful of strokes. Each time she has to relearn how to do things, but she also has to relearn to be patient with herself because there are now some things she cannot do. When our health forces us to slow down, we often see ourselves – and our situation – in a totally new perspective. Sometimes we do that kicking and screaming, sometimes a tad more gracefully. I’m glad that your pain level is down and that the situation is more manageable now! Praying for continued improvement for you.

  40. Amen! Let’s face it – everyday life can wear us down sometimes. It’s always good to be reminded of God’s goodness and grace – and ultimate control – in the midst of it all. Have a blessed day!

  41. I love that! Now whenever I see that verse (which is about every day) I will think of that story. Thank you.

  44. Thank you! I love the easy answer: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

  45. Thank you for your post. I’ve been so overwhelmed trying to help my family through a very hard loss that I was kinda melting down. I took some time after reading this and rested for a few days here and there so that I wouldn’t just totally crash and burn on them.

    Sending you hugs.

  49. Hugs right back at you, Cindi! It can be hard to be the person that others depend on – but when you know that you can always depend on Christ and that He will never fail you, it helps. Blessings! (And rest is good. Take rest when you need it!)

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