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“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:4-7

Confession time: I’ve been very anxious lately. From macro to micro, there’s a lot going on that can take me down a hole of worry, which can easily lead to fear and, ultimately, to the darkness of discouragement. Various issues with my children, work (or lack thereof), escalating inflation, the loss of our nation as we’ve known it…I could easily curl up in a ball with a package of Oreos and cry.

And I know I’m not alone. What about you? Are you feeling the weight of more worry than usual? Have you perhaps started the descent to depression or discouragement?

Sister, God is sovereign. He is in control, regardless of what our circumstances imply. The Bible is very clear that we are in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12), and the god of this world (Satan) is out to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8). One of the enemy’s greatest weapons is discouragement! It can lead to doubting—or even hating—God, as well as taking us down paths of self-destructive behaviors. And what better plan of attack than for him to plant seeds of worry and anxiety to get the whole ball rolling?

This world is dark, for sure, but we are not of this world (John 15:19)! Our faith in Jesus has already rescued us—transferring us from darkness into glorious light (1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:13). We are children of God and citizens of heaven (Ephesians 1:5; Philippians 3:20). What can man—or Satan—do to us (Psalm 56:11; Hebrews 13:6; Matthew 10:28)? What better reasons to rejoice?!

And while we keep our eyes on our beautiful Savior, let’s also stay rooted in the Truth of God’s Word, so when the wind and waves pummel us, we will stand firm—bending, but never breaking. For instance, “let us consider it all joy, when we encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3). And “let us rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)! Finally, “may the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Ah, I needed that—how about you?

“Lord, You are working all things together for Your purpose. Help me keep my eyes on You, trusting in You, and letting go of the worries of this life for the hope I have in You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life