God's Prescription for Dealing With Loss

Philippians 4: 6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.

The Christian life promises no extra protection from the hazards of living. That is a harsh reality we all must face at some point in our lives. The world can be a cold and hard place. Jesus Himself warned us that we would face tribulation in the world. We will see loved ones die. We will have love walk away from us. We will have to deal with loss. It is in the dealing with loss that we have the benefit in Christ Jesus. For even though Christ said we would have tribulation, it is what He said right after that, which should provide comfort:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

We cannot overcome the world on our own but we do not have to because Christ already has! Note that the John verse speaks to the subject of peace. That is also at the heart of the Philippians verses. The first thing Paul writes here is that we should not be anxious about anything. When tragedy befalls anyone the usual reaction is anxiety. If a loved one passes away, we become anxious about the loss, how we will go on, or even their state of salvation. It is only the natural process of being human. If you are hurt in a relationship the natural reaction is anxiety. You may question what you did wrong, how to move on with your life, or how you can trust again. These are all perfectly normal reactions to the stress of loss. It is what we do with the anxiety that matters.

In the world, anxiety can be all-encompassing. It can literally eat away at us like a cancer. It can be debilitating; leading to depression and selfpity. It can affect your other relationships, family, friendships, and work. That is not the way God intended for us to live! These Philippians verses provide the prescription to live by and it all comes back to faith. In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Within this prescription there are three facets. First of all, God wants to be involved in EVERYTHING. Note that Paul does not just say to submit what is making you anxious, but everything to God. Why? Because we do not know what will eventually lead to anxiety. We do not see anything beyond the moment we are in but God sees all time. He knows that the fledgling relationship you are in will develop into heartache. He knows the loss that is right around your corner or far off. He knows all. So submit all to Him.

How do we submit all to Him? Through prayer and petition. Why did Paul differentiate between the two? Because prayer is supposed to be a continual conversation we have with God. Through prayer we should be constantly presenting our requests to God. Petition refers to a more defined request. When anxiety may have already set in, you can petition God. When you have left Him out of something that has now caused you pain, you can always petition Him.

How do we submit our prayers and petitions to God? With thanksgiving! Why? Because it displays faith that you know God has only your best intentions at heart. You should not present your prayers with the tears borne of the doubt that your flesh manifests. You should not be praying "if You can" or "if You are willing." God can and He is willing! If it is not in His will for you then it is through your faith that you are thankful despite the loss because you stand on His promise from the prophet Jeremiah:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Not content to just provide the prescription, Paul reassures us all what will happen if we simply follow the prescription of God. If we present our requests to God with thanksgiving, through prayer and petition, then the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds! From what? From the very anxiety Paul states we should not have to begin with! Not just any peace I might add. We can experience peace in the world but it is fleeting, lasting just until something comes up against it. No, God provides the peace that surpasses all understanding! His peace is bigger than your situation. It is bigger than your heartache. It is bigger than your loss. It surpasses anything you can understand. The Psalmist discusses this struggle with the anxiety of the soul and the assurance of the spirit:

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42: 11

This is what Paul speaks to in Philippians. Why are you downcast in your soul? Why are you anxious? Be anxious for nothing my friends! Do you have faith in God? Then put your hope in Him by presenting all of your requests to Him with thanksgiving, through moment to moment prayer and specific petitions. He has plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you hope and a future. During our heights of anxiety we feel hopeless and cannot see the future because of our current pain. The pain caused by an unforgiving world filled with bitter hurt and disappointment. But take heart, for Christ has overcome the world and through Him, you too can deal with loss.

This is not to minimize pain and loss. They are real and when they come against us they can be devastating and the usual "Christianisms" such as "let go and let God" may appear trite and ring hollow in the light of our suffering. The prescription does not protect us from the experience of loss but provides the outline for how to deal with that loss and come out the other side of the valley shrouded in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. The prescription is one of protection during the pain.

What is God speaking to you today? Have you experienced a loss in your life that has caused you anxiety that has taken on a life of its own? Do you find yourself asking the "why" question and seemingly never getting an answer? Don't write an ending to your situation on your own! God sees all time, not just this painful moment. He is speaking to you today and saying, "What are you anxious about? Present your requests to me in the faith of thanksgiving and not the tears of doubt and let my peace reign in your life." Fill the prescription today.

Anthony Wade December 8, 2007