Carol Hopson-Trusting God in Times of Trouble

1. He knew he needed to keep rejoicing! "Rejoice
in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (v. 4). Paul
wasn't rejoicing in his circumstances, the tornadoes, or
seemingly unanswered prayers; he was rejoicing in his
Lord. He knew that God would see him through any-
thing He allowed, and he chose to rejoice that God was
using him for His purposes. He wasn't focusing on himself
but on the "big picture" of God's plan for his life.
2. He knew not to worry about his circumstances!
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be
made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses
all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus" (vv. 6-7). Paul realized that
belonging to God meant that he could take every burden
or fear to Him and leave it for Him to take care of. He
focused on obedience and left the end results for God to
work out. This, then, brought total peace in any situation…
even while chained in prison.
3. He knew he had to guard his thought life!
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is of good repute…let your mind dwell
on these things" (v. 8). It would have been so tempting to
think on how and why he had been beaten and put into
prison. It would have been normal to focus on those who
persecuted and arrested him, but he knew that would
lead to discouragement and disobedience.
4. He chose to be content with whatever God
allowed! "Not that I speak from want; for I have
learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am" (v.
11). Why could he be content in all circumstances?
Because he had given his life to the Lord to do with as
He chose, and he trusted God completely. Remember
that he wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ…"
(Philippians 1:21). He didn't say, "For to me, to live is
Paul." Therefore, he was content.


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