Text – Philippians 4:4-7:
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (New Living Translation)
Meditation:
Some scholars think that this passage is actually a benediction from Paul to the Philippian church. At the conclusion of this letter Paul wants to encourage these Christians to rejoice (sometimes translated “farewell”). Whatever challenges might be present for the disciple of Jesus, his/her default position should be joy or rejoicing. The outcome of this joy is the positive attitude toward others that results. “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.” This is different than what you might normally see within others that don’t have this joy. They are likely to be ill-tempered, fraught with cares, and pessimistic. Not so with the disciple of Jesus.
Paul tells the Philippians that they should not forget that God is returning. In the meantime they should tell God about any concerns and needs along with giving thanks to Him. Paul says that the outcome of this expectation combined with dependence on God is peace. Where peace is present, anxiety and pessimism do not exist.
The peace of God serves as a military guard that stands watch at our hearts. That is a comforting thought.
Poetry:
Saints of God, Rejoice and Sing!
by Austin Taylor, 1890
Saints of God, rejoice and sing!
From the heart rejoice and sing!
Thro’ the storms and strife, and the cares of life
Rejoice, rejoice and sing!
God is love, rejoice and sing!
Look above rejoice and sing!
Heaven’s King extol from a trusting soul
Rejoice, rejoice and sing!
Let the morning give you cheer
And the evening bring no fear
For the God above is a God of love
Rejoice, rejoice and sing!
Prayer:
Dear Father. Sometimes we are gripped by the concerns of the day, and these concerns take our minds away from the truest focus of life – YOU. Please teach us how to rejoice in the moment. No matter what is happening to us. May we find the things that lift us up and give us contentment. At the end of the day, we want to say, “in God I find my truth and my compass. In God I rejoice.” In Jesus’ name I pray this. Amen.
Activity:
Today, make a list of the things on which you can always rely, no matter what may be happening outside of you. What is it about these things that produce joy in your life? Keep the list handy when you are having a difficult day. Give thanks to God.