Standing Firm in the Lord: Holding Ground When Life Falls Apart

Philippians 4:1 (NLT)

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.”

There are moments in life that shake you to your core. Moments when the ground beneath your feet trembles, and everything you thought was stable begins to crack. I’ve had several of those moments. And through each of them, Philippians 4 was the chapter I held on to like a lifeline.

At 22, I went through a divorce I didn’t see coming—and found myself a single parent with full custody of my son. There’s no handbook for being a young father navigating heartbreak, custody battles, financial strain, and the pressure to “have it all together.” I was overwhelmed. But Philippians 4:1 rang in my soul like a war drum: “Stay true to the Lord.” Not in my own strength. Not in my own wisdom. But in Him.

Then came the loss of my sister, Saundra. A traumatic, heart-wrenching tragedy. That kind of loss doesn’t just sting—it shatters. Grief settled in like a fog, and I questioned everything. Why her? Why this way? Why now?

I later lost my job at Sally Beauty—a blow that hit harder than expected. When you’re already wounded, the loss of provision can feel like the final straw. I wondered how I would make it, how I’d keep providing, how I’d hold my head up.

But nothing prepared me for losing Wendy—my beloved wife—to pancreatic cancer. We walked a road of faith together for over three decades, and suddenly, I was alone. That grief hit deeper than I can describe. There were nights I curled up with nothing but tears, a Bible, and the faint whisper of God’s presence. I had moments of wavering, but I stood—anchored by God’s Word.

A wooden cross standing firmly on cracked, dry earth, symbolizing Christ as the stable foundation in times of spiritual drought or hardship. — Even when everything around you crumbles, Christ remains unshakable.

Standing Isn’t Passive—It’s Warfare

The Greek word for “stand firm” here is stēkete, meaning to hold one’s ground, to refuse to move. It’s not casual. It’s a battle stance.

That’s why Paul wrote this in Ephesians 6:13–14 (NLT):

“Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground…”

You don’t put on armor to sit still—you wear it to face opposition.

In each of those life-shattering moments, I had to put on the belt of truth when lies tried to drown me. I had to wear the body armor of God’s righteousness when guilt tried to creep in. I had to fit my feet with the peace that comes from the Good News when anxiety shook me. I held the shield of faith when fiery doubts came. I wore the helmet of salvation to protect my mind, and I wielded the sword of the Spirit—God’s Word—when I had nothing else.

Standing firm isn’t about perfection. It’s about not giving up. It’s about deciding—even through your tears—that the Lord is your foundation, and you will not collapse.

Vibrant shattered glass radiating outward from a bright golden center with the words “Broken But Still Standing” overlaid in bold white text. — You may be broken, but with God’s strength—you’re still standing.

When You’re the One Struggling to Stand

Maybe you’re there now. Maybe you’ve lost something—or someone—you love. Maybe you’re standing in courtrooms, hospital rooms, unemployment lines, or bedrooms that feel painfully empty.

Hear me: you’re not weak because you feel weak. The strength to stand doesn’t come from you—it comes from who you’re standing in. Paul doesn’t say “stand firm in your courage” or “stand firm in your reputation.” He says: “Stay true to the Lord.”

So plant your feet. Put on the armor. Let the Word be your foundation. Don’t stand on what makes sense. Don’t stand on your emotions. Stand on Him.

Because when the storm has passed and the dust settles, you’ll still be standing—not because you’re strong, but because God is.

A wooden cross stands tall on a pile of rubble with a golden sunset in the background and the words “Faith Survives the Wreckage” in bold white letters. — Even when everything else crumbles, faith remains.

Reflection Questions

What circumstances have shaken your spiritual footing recently?
Are you putting on the full armor of God daily—or are you trying to fight in your own strength?
What does it mean for you to “stand firm in the Lord” today?

Bright, golden battle-worn armor with visible dents and scratches, overlaid with the phrase “Still Standing Strong” in bold white text. — Worn, scarred, tested—but never defeated.

Your Turn to Stand

This is the beginning of our journey through Philippians 4—my favorite chapter, my personal anchor. Each blog in this series will speak to another part of the peace that passes understanding, but it starts here: standing firm.

You may bend, you may tremble, but with God—you won’t break.

A medieval helmet and sword resting on an open Bible with the words “Stand Firm in the Lord” overlaid in bold white text. — The Word is your battleground. Armor up and stand firm.

📌 Stay Encouraged!

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