Sacred Insight: Context
As you read, look for answers to these questions: What is the context of this scripture? Who wrote it? Who is speaking? At what point in time? Who is the audience? Why?
Growing up, I was known as Wendy the Worrywart. Not exactly my favorite nickname (I mean, who wants to be called anything with wart in its name?), but I have to admit that it was kind of true. I was a worrier. Even as a baby, I was so worried and cautious that my mom claims I almost never even fell down, not even in the way babies tend to adorably fall on their little powdered butts. I excelled at learning to walk, almost never fell off my bike and, unlike my brothers and sisters, I never once paid a visit to the emergency room.
This is all good, but the degree of worrying and caution it took to maintain my pristine record, was not. Since then, worry has been a constant companion, sometimes blooming into full-blown anxiety over the course of my life. All that to say, this scripture about worry is very near and dear to my heart.
Paul wrote our anti-worry scripture to the believers in the Philippian church – the first church on the European continent in that Macedonian City. I think the Philippian church must have been one of Paul’s favorites, because this book is full of affection, love and encouragement. Sometimes thought of as Paul’s joy letter for that very reason, he uses the pages of Philippians to warmly instruct, teach and encourage his fellow believers, despite the fact that the He wrote it from inside a prison in A.D. 61. But, despite his circumstances, we see the overflowing joy of Christ flowing through his pen, throughout, in the pages of his letter.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
As we dive into our scripture passage, let’s start with a bit of context by reviewing its previous verse since it sets up our scripture so beautifully.
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
The Lord is near. The verse just before our scripture reminds us that we have no reason to be anxious, because the Lord is near – in other words, you are not alone and you are never abandoned. .
It’s beautiful to know that we can have confidence in the Lord’s presence and peace because we know that He is always right there beside you, listening and waiting.
When my daughter was a baby in the middle of the night when she would wake up, I would sit and cuddle her in the rocking chair in her room until she was back off to snooze land. Then I would hold my breath and tiptoe across the room, setting her down so gently that not a hair on her head would move so that I wouldn’t wake her up. Then, I would tiptoe even more quietly out of the room back and into my waiting bed. But about 60% of the time, the second I stepped foot out of her room – “Waaaa!”
She somehow just sensed that I wasn’t near any longer.
There’s something so comforting about knowing that the people we love are near – knowing that when we need them, they’ll be there in a flash – that they’re available to us. Philippians 4:5 tells us that Jesus is near like that. It may not always seem like it all the time because Jesus and Holy Spirit aren’t touchable or visible, but the Bible says that our God never leaves our side – in fact, He is closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24. One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Sometimes we forget that the Lord is near – that he is gently pursuing us and waiting for our will to align with His. We forget that He wants to be our best friend and guide.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20
With the stresses and requirements of daily life, it’s easy to slip out of fellowship with the Lord, but remember – when we don’t feel the Lord near, it’s not because He’s not near, but because we are not near to Him.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8
Our scripture encourages believers to remember that simple fact that the Lord is near and to take advantage of it; Talk to Jesus, tell Him your what’s in your heart and what’s on your mind, in whatever way you need to express it – and while you’re at it, remember to keep thankfulness on your tongue. Our scripture says that whenever you do these things with your whole heart, His peace and tranquility will be yours
Group Activity – Worrywart or Chill
What is the context of this scripture? Who wrote it? Who is speaking? At what point in time? Who is the audience? Why?
What is the book of Philippians sometimes known as and why?
When do you feel the Lord’s nearness most?
What is going on in your heart and mind in the times that you feel most alone?
Why is it important to remember that the Lord is near and how does that help us to not be anxious?
Live It Out:
- See if you have any of the following: A study Bible, index in the back of your Bible, concordances, historical timelines, etc. What contextual information can you can dig up about the author, the time in history in which it was written, what was going on in the lives of its recipients, etc. Pick any contextual element that interests you and find out more.