Philippians 4:13: We Need To Start Bringing ALL Of Our Pain To Jesus
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me.”
The Meaning
This popular verse is another piece of wisdom extracted from Paul. In Philippians, Paul is writing to the people of Philippi, and he strives to tell the people how much joy he has found through Jesus.
It’s amazing that Paul can even bring himself to discuss any joy or rejoicing, considering he is currently in prison awaiting execution. It is truly amazing how no matter the circumstance Paul found himself in, he managed to find rest and solace from the Lord.
Paul is pleading with the Philippians to cease their anxieties and in-fighting with one another as it distracts from the deeper joy that can be found through God. He tells them to resist their urges to gossip, slander, and manipulate – and instead bring all their quarrels and frustrations directly to Jesus in prayer.
Philippians 4:8 is a message from Paul to the people to “keep their minds only on what is true, good, and wholesome”.
My Thoughts
I can understand how this message from Paul is very popular.
The underlying themes in this passage can be understood by the Jesus follower and the nonbeliever. We know for a fact, from a scientific standpoint, that our frame of mind can dramatically affect our mental health.
However, as a former nonbeliever, I found that trying to change my frame of mind when in a pit of depression and anxiety was near impossible. I knew something was missing, deep in my heart of hearts.
Now that I believe, I discovered that the missing piece I needed was Jesus.
I realized that my flesh simply could not handle and cope with the pain and suffering all on its own. I couldn’t just rely on my own willpower and use “positive thinking” to change for good – I needed the comfort and peace that Jesus provides.
Paul, on the verge of being killed, expressed a joy and rejoicing in the Lord. To have the peace that Paul had, we must also bring ALL our anxieties, fears, and pain straight to Jesus in prayer.
It reminds me of the verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, as we are called to: “Always be joyful and never stop praying”.
Pray without ceasing!
xoxoxo