Philippians 4:4-9
Key words: rejoice, peace (which is a recurring theme in these verses as well). This passage contains a list of things to think about: whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, etc.
Paul is saying that we should rejoice, no matter what the circumstances because we can present our requests and burdens to God. When we do that, the peace of God covers us which allows us not to focus on things that are discouraging but to think on things that are right, pure, etc. As we follow Paul's teaching and example, we will experience the presence of God. Paul started this letter by rejoicing that the gospel was being preached and ends by encouraging his readers (twice) to rejoice.
This passage reminds me that God is the God of peace and that the peace of God is something I need to experience in my life. I get so stressed, so anxious, so burdened with everything that I think I need to keep juggling and I wonder how I am going to keep all those balls in the air. The cure is simple: rejoice and pray. Rejoice that I have the God of peace as my Father and that he is near. Rejoice that the God of peace hears my prayers and will pour out his peace on me. Ask God for strength to carry the load that HE has placed on me and wisdom to know which parts I have placed on myself or allowed others to place on me. Then ask for discernment in how to off-load those things that aren't part of HIS calling. Peace be with you!
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1 comment:
I really appreciate what you said, and I love the juggling analogy, something that I am terrible at both in life and with actual juggling. But it is so true, we need to give to God everything, and like you said rejoice that we have such an amazing father. Man there are so many things that I have loaded on my own plate or allowed others to load on me, I as well need the wisdom and discernment to know when to let go and to know the things I should hang on to.
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