Why it Isn't Always Well With Our Soul (And Why it Should Be)

"When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul " Isn't that a beautiful statement? It's also one of my favorite hymns. Unfortunately, it's easier to sing in church than it is to live out. Why is that, I wonder? Why does the bible promise us peace beyond comprehension (See Below) and yet so many of us are anxious? What keeps us from that promised peace? Quite frankly, and simply (but not), it's us. We keep ourselves from that promised peace. This Peace is not our own! One of the fruits of the Spirit is Peace, and something we don't understand is it's not our fruit to produce! We don't have peace because we don't submit. We worry because we try and control, we have anxiety because we can't let go, and trust God. The Psalmist says "Why so downcast, O my soul, Put your hope in God!" The Clues are there! Our hope is invested in things that perish, and so we worry about losing them! Our jobs will be gone some day, either by quitting, firing, or retiring, so why invest in it what doesn't belong to it (still, do a good job, being a good worker is something that Honors God)? Our relationships either will be ended by strife, by moving away, or by death, so why fret(Still, strive to live at peace with everyone)? We can't take our property with us, and it will be rusted, destroyed, or stolen some day, so why worry on it? Don't be anxious about anything. It's what Jesus says. Instead, we should seek God's kingdom first, place our lives and Hope in Him! We should fix our eyes on Him! If you want peace, if you desire it to be well with your soul, rest in Him, submit fully to Him, and give everything to Him. Otherwise we're going to worry our lives away.

Philippians 4 English Standard Version 

1Therefore, my brothers,a whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

2I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3Yes, I ask you also, true companion,b help these women, who have laboredc side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5Let your reasonablenessd be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learnede and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God’s Provision

10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14Yet it was kind of you to sharef my trouble. 15And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.g 18I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Footnotes: a 1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21 b 3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow c 3 Or strived (see 1:27) d 5 Or gentleness e 9 Or these things--9which things you have also learned f 14 Or have fellowship in g 17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account