Philippians 4:4 – 9: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
Remember Mad Magazine? Alfred P Neuman’s slogan, “What? Me worry?” In a sense I think this is kinda what Paul is trying to tell us. He is offering a solution to our trepidations and countering our lack of being able to know what lies ahead in our lives. This is a constant problem that I have, I always seem to question myself and what I should do. Whether I have made the good choice or the difficult one. I think Paul is saying that regardless of what choices we have made (if we make them in the right spirit), we should rejoice so that others can be encouraged in our faith. Sometimes, another person’s faith is all that we have to lean on when ours is running low. It is almost like that spare gas can on a long trip – Maybe just enough to get us to the nearest gas station. That is the way it is with me, sometimes. I feel discouraged or defeated and depressed. But then someone touches my life with a good story or I observe a kind deed from someone (even if it to someone else). It lifts me up and keeps me going. I cannot help but think that this is the reaction of most everyone as well.
So, what if it is YOU or ME that is in the position of doing something kind and generous and uplifting? Even if it is a small thing, it may be the kindling that allows someone else the fire to go just little farther and make it to the next step. How many times has someone at the mall (or some other anonymous location) affected you in a small way and they not even were aware of their “good deed”? You know, sometimes, it is YOUR turn to do the same (and MINE). So again I say rejoice! Do not worry (easier said than done) but instead ask God to handle the situation, and give HIM the thanks. He will give you the peace that all situations are under His control and authority. Matt 7:7 – 12 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets.” These are the words of Jesus Christ, Himself.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you”. -
May God Bless You and Yours
Gene
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