What Christians Do When Life Stinks

Philippians 4:6 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Introduction

Life has a smell to it when it goes wrong. It’s the stench of stress, the odor of overload, the funk of frustration. Life stinks when the pressure mounts, when you’re trying to trust God but the bills keep piling, the phone keeps ringing, the body keeps aching, and the peace you once had is slipping away.

But here’s what’s powerful, church: Paul writes this while chained up. He’s under house arrest in Rome, uncertain of his future, but completely certain about his God. He’s writing to a beloved congregation in Philippi—a church that had supported him from day one (Phil. 1:3–5; 4:15). This is a letter not of correction, but of comfort, joy, and spiritual guidance. And in chapter 4, Paul gives us spiritual survival instructions for when life stinks.

Transition: Here is the first principle. . . When life stinks, Christians don’t worry about anything.

Don’t Worry About Anything

“Do not be anxious about anything…”

Exposition and Context:

The word Paul uses for “anxious” (merimnaō) carries the image of being torn or pulled apart. Worry splits your heart between trust in God and fear of circumstances.

But notice: this is not just a recommendation—it's a command. Paul is not dismissing real problems—he’s declaring that anxiety doesn’t have the final word.

Jesus said the same thing in Matthew 6:25–34: “Do not be anxious about your life...” Why? Because your heavenly Father knows what you need (Matt. 6:32). Paul is echoing Jesus. He’s reminding us that when you belong to God, worry is unnecessary—and ultimately unproductive.

Theological Insight:

Worry puts your faith on trial and your fears in charge. It’s the opposite of trust. Anxiety is the fruit of a heart that’s forgotten who's holding the future.

Paul says “anything”—not “most things.” That means:

Finances? Don’t worry.

Family drama? Don’t worry.

Health crisis? Don’t worry.

Church issues? Don’t worry.

Illustration: Worry is like a rocking chair—it keeps you moving but doesn’t get you anywhere. You burn energy but make no progress. Worry gives the illusion of control while robbing you of peace.

Application:

Practice “Worry Replacement.” When anxious thoughts arise, replace them immediately with a Scripture (e.g., Isaiah 26:3, “You keep him in perfect peace...”).

Limit media exposure. What you feed your mind shapes your fears.

Journal your worries—then write “GOD IS BIGGER” beside each one.

I don’t care what the doctor said—don’t worry! I don’t care what your bank account says—don’t worry! I don’t care what your enemies are plotting—don’t worry! Because the same God who kept you last time… Is the same God keeping you this time! Too wise to make a mistake, Too strong to be defeated, Too faithful to fail!

God doesn’t want you paralyzed by what-ifs—He wants you anchored in Who He is.

Transition: If you’re not going to worry, then you’ve got to do something else with that weight. Don’t carry it—pray about it.

Pray About Everything

“…but in everything by prayer and supplication…”

Exposition and Context:

Here, Paul shifts from the don’t to the do. Don’t worry—but instead, pray. The Greek shows us something rich:

Proseuchē – general prayer and communion with God.

Deēsis – specific, urgent requests.

In other words, don’t just talk about the problem—talk to God with specificity and surrender.

This is how you transfer the weight. You can’t carry anxiety and peace at the same time.

Even Jesus, in Gethsemane, said, “Father, if it be Your will…”—He took His anguish and placed it in the Father’s hands.

Theological Insight:

Prayer is more than words—it’s alignment. It moves your focus from fear to faith. Prayer activates trust and places the outcome in God’s sovereign hands.

Illustration: Imagine you’re carrying a backpack full of bricks—your burdens, fears, shame. Prayer is when you kneel down, unzip the pack, and one by one say, “Lord, You carry this.” That’s what Paul’s inviting us to do.

Application:

Set a daily rhythm: Pray at set times. Morning, noon, and night—let God hear from you.

Get specific: Don’t just say “Lord, bless me.” Say, “Lord, I need wisdom for this meeting… peace for this grief… healing for this wound.”

Pray the Word: Turn Psalms into prayers. Say, “Lord, you are my shepherd, I shall not want…”

Thank God for It All

“…with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Exposition and Context:

Thanksgiving is not something you do after you receive—it’s something you bring while you’re waiting. Paul says let your requests be made known WITH thanksgiving.

In the biblical mindset, gratitude is a posture, not a reaction. It’s saying, “I trust You even if nothing changes.”

This echoes 1 Thessalonians 5:18—“Give thanks in all circumstances.” Why? Because God is still worthy in it, not just after it.

Theological Insight:

Thanksgiving is an act of war against the enemy’s lies. Satan says, “You’re alone.” Gratitude says, “God is with me.” Satan says, “You’ll never make it.” Gratitude says, “He’s brought me this far—He’ll finish what He started.”

Illustration: Paul and Silas in Acts 16—beaten, jailed, chained. But at midnight, they prayed and sang hymns. They didn’t wait until deliverance—they praised in the dark. And that’s when the chains broke.

Application:

Start a Gratitude List. Every day, write down three things you’re thankful for.

Practice “Thanksgiving Prayer.” Before you ask God for anything, thank Him for what He’s already done.

Testify. Share publicly how God has shown up—thankfulness multiplies faith in others.

Thank Him when you’re up! Thank Him when you’re down! Thank Him with tears in your eyes! Thank Him when you don’t know how it’s gonna work out! Because He’s been good! He’s still good! And He will always be good!

Transition: That’s why Paul says when you bring your prayers, don’t forget to bring your praise. Because praise invites peace. And peace is coming.

Conclusion:

Verse 7 (next verse) says, “And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” That’s the result. You don’t get peace from control—you get it from surrender.

So when life stinks…

Don’t panic—pray.

Don’t spiral—supplicate.

Don’t grumble—give thanks.

You may not have the answers—but you’ve got access. You may not know the outcome—but you know the Overcomer! You may be in a dark place—but He’s the Light of the World! So hold your peace, speak your prayers, lift your hands, and dry your tears— Because weeping may endure for a night… but JOY… is coming in the morning!

Hooping Close:

And I just believe that if you learn how to pray about everything, if you learn how to thank God in everything, if you learn how to stop worrying about anything...

You’re gonna find a peace that makes no sense to the world— A peace that shows up in the cancer ward, A peace that walks with you through divorce court, A peace that holds you together when life falls apart!

You may not have everything you want, but you’ve got Jesus! You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you know Who holds tomorrow!

And I’m so glad that one Friday, Jesus bore my burdens— He carried every anxiety, every fear, every sin, and every shame.

They stretched Him wide, and they hung Him high— And He died to give me peace with God and the peace of God.

But early Sunday morning… He got up with all power— Power over fear! Power over anxiety! Power over everything that stinks in your life!

So hold your head up. Lift your heart up. And give God praise!

Because when life stinks—God is still good. And when life stinks—Jesus is still Lord. And when life stinks—we still win!