Read Philippians 4:4-7
Always Rejoice
4 Rejoice in the Lord
always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to
everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
YOU could easily use these verses to define the complete
letter of Philippians: Always Rejoice.
As Paul says, “do
not be anxious about anything” he has plenty to be anxious about. He’s been in prison
about 5 years. He awaits a trial that could end in his death. He is literally
chained to a prison guard 24/7. He must pay for his own prison house. He is
likely wondering, “When will I be free to do Jesus’ work?”
But amid these anxieties,
Paul doesn’t ask, “Where is Jesus when I need him?” He knows that Jesus is
always, always with him. That’s why he can say “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
And even more in
this great trust in Jesus, he can also say, “Rejoice
in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Paul sets his mind
to the truth of Jesus’ as his Savior. He looks not upon the world to see
reasons to be anxious, but he looks upon Jesus to see reasons to rejoice and be
at peace.
What is happening in your life? Likely there
are many reasons to be anxious. Try this prayer. “Jesus, you are bigger than my
anxieties. You are my Savior. Keep my mind on you.”
Yes, trust the
risen Jesus and rejoice.
A Moment’s Thought: Always rejoice that Jesus saves.
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