Strangling the Stress of Waiting (Philippians 1:20–26)

When Paul wrote Philippians, a letter on “stress-free living,” he had been in a Roman prison for about four years, waiting on God, and not knowing whether he would be released or executed.

One thing I really don’t like to do is wait.

I don’t mind going to the doctor; it’s the “waiting” room I hate.

It’s the only time I read three-year-old news magazines.

Like Paul, we often must wait on God.

Paul makes in Rom. 8:24f.: “hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

In this passage we find three principles for strangling the stress of waiting.

Wait with expectation (1:20)

After waiting on God for about four years, Paul writes: I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (1:20).

The word translated eagerly expect means to look ahead with concentration, as a watchman in the bow of a ship stretches his neck as he looks for land.

Expectation is the outward manifestation of hope, and hope is the inward conviction God will do what He has promised.

How does Romans 8:25 describe this kind of hope?

In the Bible, hope isn’t just crossing your fingers or wishful thinking.

It is a confident expectation and assurance in the promises of God.

Hope in the biblical sense is based on the character of God and His faithfulness to fulfill His word.

It is a firm belief that God is in control, working all things for the good of those who love Him.

This hope is a source of strength and encouragement for believers, enabling them to endure trials and challenges with confidence and trust in God's plan.

Biblical hope is grounded in the truth of God's Word and the certainty of His promises, providing a solid foundation for our faith and a reason to live with joy and expectation.

It is a firm trust in God’s promises.

Paul’s expectation and hope were that Christ would be exalted in his body whether he lived or died (Philip. 1:20).

The word exalted(megalunō, meg-al-oo′-noh) is translated “magnified” in the KJV.

As Christians our lives should “magnify” Christ so our lost friends and neighbors can see Jesus in us.

As Christians, it is important for us to live our lives in a way that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus Christ.

When we say our lives should "magnify" Christ, we mean that our actions, words, and attitudes should point others to Him.

This can be seen in the way we love, show compassion, forgive, and serve others.

By living out the principles of the Bible and emulating Christ's example, we become a living testimony of His love and grace to those around us.

When our lost friends and neighbors see Jesus reflected in us, it can draw them closer to Him and lead them to a relationship with Christ.

This concept is rooted in the biblical exhortation for believers to be ambassadors of Christ, shining His light in a dark world and pointing others to the hope and salvation found in Him.

Paul wanted Christ to be exalted or “magnified” in his life, whether by life or by death.

Paul was prepared for the “if nots” of life.

In his letters, Paul demonstrates a deep understanding of the uncertainties and challenges of life.

He was prepared for the "if nots" - the times when things did not go as planned or when he faced difficulties and hardships.

Paul knew that in this fallen world, believers would inevitably encounter trials, persecution, and suffering.

However, he also believed in the sovereignty of God and the sufficiency of His grace to sustain him through any situation.

Paul's faith was not contingent on circumstances but on his unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and goodness.

He was able to face the "if nots" of life with courage and hope, knowing that God's power was made perfect in weakness.

Paul's example encourages believers to trust in God's provision and strength, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity.

He wanted to live, but “if not,” he wanted to die not being ashamed of Christ.

He was more concerned about his testimony than the verdict of his trial.

Are you prepared for the “if nots” of life? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were.

Just before they are thrown into the fiery furnace for not bowing down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s graven image, they tell the king their God is able to save them from the furnace (Dan. 3:17).

That’s hopeful expectation!

But hopeful expectation is also being prepared for the “if nots” of life.

Having a hopeful expectation in God also involves being prepared for the "if nots" of life.

While we trust in God's promises and provision, we also recognize that His plans may not always align with our own desires or expectations.

Being prepared for the "if nots" means understanding that God's ways are higher than our ways and His timing and purposes may be different from what we anticipate.

It involves surrendering our will to His and trusting that even in the midst of disappointment or hardship, God is still at work for our good.

This kind of hopeful expectation allows us to face the uncertainties of life with faith and resilience, knowing that God is faithful and will never leave us or forsake us.

Therefore, what else do they say to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:18?

To “journey into stress-free living,” we must wait on God with hopeful expectation, but we also must be prepared for the “if nots” of life.

What if God never blesses your finances like you expect?

What if you never have the wonderful marriage for which you’re praying?

What if your wayward child never turns around?

To deal with the stress of waiting, we must have hopeful expectation, but we must also be prepared for the “if nots” of life.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management C. Under the Hood

Checklist for Burnout

□ I have difficulty relaxing.

□ I have lower back pain.

□ I feel tired and lifeless most of the time.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management C. Under the Hood

□ I have frequent severe headaches.

□ I get indigestion often.

□ I often have diarrhea or constipation.

□ I could be getting an ulcer.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management C. Under the Hood

□ I have trouble sleeping at night.

□ I grind my teeth at night.

□ I am susceptible to every cold and virus.

□ I have allergies or asthma.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management C. Under the Hood

□ I eat and snack excessively.

□ I have lost a lot of weight.

□ I often have cold hands and sweating palms.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management C. Under the Hood

□ I have shortness of breath.

□ I have a rapid pulse.

□ I generally feel nervous and unsettled.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management C. Under the Hood

No one will experience all these symptoms, but if you checked four or more, you may need to evaluate how you are responding to the pressures in your life.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management C. Under the Hood

Are you releasing your heavy load to the Lord and allowing His peace to permeate your heart?

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management C. Under the Hood

“A heart at peace gives life to the body.”

(

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

Are you driving with all eight cylinders, but running out of gas?

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

God often allows your tank to be empty so that you will seek Him.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

Come to the King of Kings and learn His ways.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

The Holy Spirit is drawing you—seeking a personal relationship with you that will lighten your load!

A. Key Verses to Memorize

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

(

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

Even his name Elijah (God is Salvation) announces that he is a messenger approved and sent by God.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management IV. Steps to Solution

Elijah had significant spiritual strength, yet he wound up with an empty tank under a broom tree, begging God to deliver him from his great distress.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

ELIJAH ON EMPTY

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

1 Kings chapter 19

• Scripture reveals the cause of Elijah’s burnout.

Elijah lost confidence in the sovereign power of God. v. 3 —

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Elijah had reached the end of his own resources. v. 4

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Elijah was tired and exhausted. v. 5

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Scripture also tells us the steps Elijah took to be restored.

Elijah left his servant and got alone with God. vv. 3–4

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Elijah received the rest and food provided by God. vv. 5–8

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Elijah sought to communicate with God. v. 8

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

God was not silent but asked Elijah to explain his need. v. 9

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Elijah was honest with God about his feelings. v. 10

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

God showed Elijah that He was still in control. vv. 11–12

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. vv. 12–13

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Elijah’s response revealed that he did not understand how God was working. v. 14

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

God revealed the next steps for Elijah to take. vv. 15–16

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

God revealed part of His future plans to Elijah. vv. 17–18

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Elijah obeyed God and went back to the job God had given him. v. 19

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

God gave Elijah the gift of a genuine friend and companion. vv. 20–21

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

God sometimes allows difficult situations in your life in order to nurture a stronger relationship with Him.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

The events in which Elijah found himself were beyond his control and demanded a complete dependence on God.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

If your prayer life is to penetrate to the deeper layers of your faith, you may find yourself under the broom tree of a broken spirit.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

“In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”

(

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

PRINCIPLES FROM ELIJAH’S EXPERIENCE WITH STRESS

Filling Your Emptiness—

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

• Spend time alone with God.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

• Receive God’s rest and physical nourishment.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

• Seek communication with God.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

• Wait on God’s response.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

• Respond honestly to God.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

• Place your trust in God.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

• Rely on instructions from God.

• Be ready for God’s blessing.

C. Tune-Up in Truth

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

The world would say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” or “Prevention is the best medicine.”

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

These familiar adages are simply saying, “Stop it before it starts!”

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Since stress begins in your mind, much of your misery is the result of incorrect thinking.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Fortunately, what you choose to think is in your control.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

Are the lies of legalism keeping you in a “stress mess”?

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

God may be drawing you to learn His Word, to get a mental tune-up in truth.

Biblical Counseling Keys on Stress Management Elijah on Empty

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

(