Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
In the case of many passages of scripture, it is mandatory to understand the source and the purpose of the writing in order to interpret its meaning. Often authorship enters into what is considered “necessary information” and even language idioms might lend a specific explanation not obvious by simple reading. It is these requirements that encourage scholarly demands to the study of the Bible. Other excerpts can give the reader encouragement and direction when read on an introductory level, but they may also necessitate a depth of study to determine the intent of the author. And yet some of the most beautiful and strengthening passages need no concordance or supplemental study guides. They speak to us in words that engage us, that recognize our need in that moment and take us to a higher plain of understanding and closeness to God. Philippians 4: 4-7 is one such scripture.
We can determine the authorship of this letter to the Christians at Philippi. It is one of the Pauline letters, written by the apostle Paul while imprisoned. His tone throughout the letter implies not only a knowledge of the situations within the Philippian church but a personal relationship with the people there. His advice links to problems within the church and even to concerns for specific individuals. But it is in those words recorded in chapter four that his encouragement transcends generations and civilizations and takes us to the core of our
being. “The Lord is near.” We can assume that, in this particular instance, Paul is referring to the second coming. The early Church lived in expectation of Christ’s immediate return. But it is also a reminder of the constant presence of God. These four words bring to mind passages throughout the Bible that strengthen us with the awareness of the presence of God - the burning bush, the still small voice to Elijah, the shepherd’s psalm, Jesus words in the upper room…a myriad of reminders that we are not abandoned, that we are not alone.
Paul begins his advice to the Philippian church – and to us as well – by reminding them that they find their joy in the Lord. He is not referring to the fleeting instances of happiness, created by temporal experiences, but the constant assurance of the nearness of God – of His watch care, of His guidance, of His promise. And because of this, Paul writes, we should not be anxious about anything.
But we are often blindsided by situations we never expected to address and which are out of our control. Finances, illness, family issues, depression, death of those we love…and yet, Paul tells us, ”Don’t worry.” We want to follow this advice. But as consummate worriers, we want a guaranteed resolution of our problems – that life will even out. This is what we identify as peace. Without it, how can we abandon worry? How can we not be afraid?
But what better assurance is there to carry us through the trials and troubles of life? God is near. He knows our needs. He will never abandon us. Our peace is not dependent on circumstances, on the resolution of conflict. God’s peace can exist within the conflict, can see beyond the daily troubles and even life shattering circumstances that tell us all is lost. With prayers and thanksgiving, we present our petitions to God and experience the joy of the strength promised. In
the midst of the maelstrom which is our reality, our peace can only be found in the presence of God.
Moses once asked for God’s name. As he stood by the bush that burned but was not consumed, he questioned “Whom shall I say has sent me?” Mankind is so dependent upon the concrete. God’s answer to Moses was “I AM, Tell them I Am has sent you.” I AM – the ever present, all knowing, omniscient God. The God Who is, Who was and Who shall forevermore be. And He is near. It is He who lifts us above our trials so that we may see His everlasting glory. And He gives us His peace that surpasses our understanding. “Not as the world gives…let not your heart be troubled. Neither let it be afraid.”