SHEPHERD
TO SHEEP
FLIP OUT OR
PHILIPPIANS
There are
times in life when the pressure is so intense that we just can’t handle it and
we flip out. I mean, how much can a person
take? Aren’t we allowed to let off some
steam at times? We are human, are we
not? But if you were to ask the apostle
Paul he would show you a healthier way to survive the perfect storms of
life. And who better to share than
someone suffering innocently from a dark and dank Roman prison cell? In Philippians chapter four Paul shares four
key principles to keep from flipping out:
- PAUL LEARNED TO MAINTAIN A
REJOICING SPIRIT AT ALL TIMES. (Philippians 4:4) in the Lord always. Again
I will say, rejoice! This is
probably the most unnatural thing to do in distress but the Holy Spirit will
help us. Keep rejoicing. Keep counting your blessings. Keep thankful. It’s a choice we must make to keep our
spirits up and avoid slipping into despair. (1
Thes 5:18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus for you.
- PAUL TURNED ALL HIS ANXIETIES
OVER TO THE LORD (TO THE LAST DETAIL) TO SECURE GOD’S PEACE. (Philippians
4:6-7) Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds
through Christ Jesus. Pray about
everything that concerns you. Don’t let
anxiety take hold in the crevices of your inner life. Keep clear from mental and emotional
clutter. Turn it over before you get
pushed over!
- PAUL LEARNED TO BE CONTENT IN ALL
OF LIFE’S CIRCUMSTANCES THROUGH CHRIST STRENGTHENING HIM. (Philippians
4:11-13) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever
state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to
abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be
hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me. It is natural
to complain and whine, but what good does it do? Accept your circumstances and receive
strength from above to rise into the jet stream of God’s love and grace.
- PAUL TRUSTED THE LORD TO MEET ALL
OF HIS NEEDS FROM HIS LIMITLESS RESOURCES.
(Philippians 4:19) And my God
shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Jesus taught us to not worry about our needs
being met (Mat 6:25-34). God provides
for the birds and flowers. How much more
does He love and provide for His cherished children? Our greatest need of salvation has been
supplied through Christ on the cross. Won’t
God provide for all the other things of life? (Rom 8:32) He who did not spare
His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also
freely give us all things?
So the next
time you feel like flipping out, turn to Philippians four and rehearse the key components
of not only surviving but thriving in Christ!
Louie
