Philippians 1: Finding Light in Dark Moments

How many times have you asked, “why do bad things happen to good people?” Maybe you’ve asked it based on personal experience. But whatever the case might be, it is a question often blinded by emotions. The other day I read the first chapter of the letter to the Philippians, which brings much light to the question.

In verses 12-16, St. Paul informs the Philippians that his imprisonment, a negative, was an opportunity, a grace from God, to share the Gospel further. What a beautiful realization that is! Think about how you would react if you get put in prison for telling people that God came to give everyone eternal salvation. From today’s perspective, it seems unjust to imprison someone for spreading positivity, right?

Be Not Afraid

That would explain the Philippians’ confusion upon hearing of St. Paul’s situation. And that is why St. Paul so eloquently reminds them that “[his] imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by [his] imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear.” (verses 13-14).

Anyone can apply this to our lives today. Whenever we seem to be suffering unjustly or when we find ourselves in difficult situations, we should remember that God is with us at all times. We should take courage in those moments and ask for understanding. When we learn how to serve our Lord in difficult times, we can serve Him anytime. We open our hearts to see God’s goodness even in moments of darkness.

To Live or To Die

Moving down to verse 21, St. Paul says, “living is Christ and dying is gain.” I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard many people loudly express their distress about death. They dread the day when they will no longer be in this world, and the thought of becoming terminally ill is a nightmare. How admirable is St. Paul’s spiritual maturity, right?

Yet, in this letter, St. Paul reminds us of the beauty of the afterlife. I do not intend to belittle the uncomfortableness and hardships accompanying illnesses and death. Still, I hope to bring to mind the power of using those unfortunate moments to unite yourself with the crucified Christ. Only then can we rest in God’s full presence, so what is not to look forward to?

Now, being alive is a gift. God blesses us with the ability to breathe each day for the benefit of others, as verse 24 says. We should embrace every day as a gift and use it to help others get closer to God. We can dwell in lies spread by the enemy, the negativity of the world, and the pressures to go against the commandments of God the Father. That would only result in anxiety, depression, and confusion. It would end in our souls eternally departed from heaven to make things worse. But if we embrace the tribulations of life as opportunities to grow, persevere, and learn, we can strive to make this world a better place worth living. What ultimately matters is to remember God is with us in every moment.

Follow Christ At All Cost

I love that the last few verses of the letter to the Philippians read, “[God] has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well.”

Thanks be to our Holy God for giving us the grace to live for Him regardless of our circumstances. Every minute of our lives can be an opportunity to solidify our relationship with Jesus, our bridegroom. He wants us to go to Him as we are, even if that means going broken and full of sin. He is the only one who can make us whole, after all.

You ARE worthy of His love; remember to “live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). All will come into place in God’s timing.

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As always, let me know if you have specific prayer intentions!