The Way Out of Uncertainty

When life is uncertain, you may wonder how to navigate it without your head exploding. Today I'm going to suggest how to do that, with help from Philippians Chapter 4.

Uncertainty seems to be the name of the game these days, especially in the financial realm. The stock market’s on a roller coaster, prices keep rising, inflation is causing problems for everyone’s bottom line. Financial plans – from home-buying to retirement to budgeting for groceries – are up in the air.

If all this uncertainty causes you to lose sleep at night, you’re not alone. While worry is a normal response to stress, constant worries can tip over into anxiety, which can be debilitating for many folks. What do we do about this, besides make another appointment with a doctor who can cure the body but not the soul (and most of the time, not the mind either)?

Well, the Bible assures us that our circumstances do matter to God. First Peter 5: 6-7 explains that when we Humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, he will lift us up in due time. So, we can cast all our anxiety on him because he cares for us.

Philippians Chapter 4 has more to say about handling worry. I'd say there are at least four steps to wrasslin' this monster to the ground:

Step One - praise. In verse 4, the Apostle Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” We know our God is good…and everything he allows into our lives is for our benefit, even if it seems tough at the time. We can trust the Lord to provide for us…so we rejoice.

Step Two - submit all your worries to the Lord in prayer. Verse 6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” He is near, and He sees you.

Step Three - think truth. Philippians 4:8 explains it: “…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy…think about such things.” The more you fill your mind with truth from God’s Word…the less likely you’ll be tempted to fall into despair. Examine the things you are doing. Are they excellent and praiseworthy? What about the things you're watching on social media. Admirable? How about your words? True? I think following this verse alone could change our world. Notice that these are all adjectives that describe the Lord Jesus. Need something to focus on that fits the list? Try Christ.

Step Four is to do what’s right. Verse 9 continues, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me…put it into practice.” Paul demonstrated Christ-like living to the Philippians, and he’s telling them – and us – to follow his example. We may not understand why we struggle, but the answer to “What should I do?” is always “Do the right thing”. Our best example for that, again, is Jesus Christ.

I think the best part of this Philippians passage is the promise at the end. When we rejoice in the Lord, give our worries to God, think truth, and do what’s right, Paul says, “The peace of God will be with you.”

After all, isn’t peace what we need, when all around us is uncertain? Today, I hope you will take steps to trust the Prince of Peace, Jesus, (a.k.a. the Way) to steer you out of anxiety.

Standing with you,

Carolyn