Do Not WorrySample

Affliction Is Part of Life 

Philippians 4:6 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

In his teachings, Paul speaks about the human condition and what we go through in everyday life. This is important because although we do need to know the richness in the life of Christ, we should also know how to use it in adverse situations. In the book of Philippians, Paul teaches about the concerns we live through and the distress of the soul. We need to understand that afflictions are part of life. We cannot avoid them. Our life is not about living in these situations, but they are part of it. 

Let’s remember that Jesus himself told his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The followers of Jesus would go through times of persecution, as history shows. 

In general, as children of God, we are not exempt from afflictions or trials. We are children of God who have a victorious life; however, as Paul taught, this does not mean we will avoid difficult times. 

Paul does not deny that affliction exists or comes into our lives. Paul says to not be anxious about anything. Worry leads to bigger problems, such as anxiety. Fear through your situation and circumstances causes anxiety. Paul says be anxious for absolutely nothing; but fear in your heart and mind produces a state of anxiety that wraps you in a permanent place of affliction. 

We have all been through worrisome situations and will continue going through moments of distress that can produce anxiousness. Paul never says that because we are children of God, we will skip difficult times. Actually, Paul says that difficult situations should not convert into a worry. Worry is when your concerns occupy your thoughts, and your heart is filled with fear. It is when you continually think of your situation with an attitude of fear. 

Furthermore, Paul teaches that instead of worrying you have to move. Before the problem takes you to a crisis, you should do something about it. Yet, we tend to do it at the end of our difficult situation. Paul teaches the order in which we do things. Generally, people search for solutions any way they can, but before doing that, we need to go to God.