Rejoice in the Lord always

Philippians 4:4-8: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things.”

Paul in his wisdom and experience gave the believers at Philippi the recipe for living at peace. He implores the Christ-follower to rejoice in the Lord in all situations. He knew that there would be things that come up in our lives that will cause stress and have the potential to cause us to worry and fret. Paul says -- with an attitude of joy attack all situations with rejoicing. He says live a life of gentleness before all, for that will be a witness to all who see you. When situations and trials erupt in your life it is extremely easy to develop a lifestyle of worry and fret. Paul counsels the Christ-follower to not get bogged down in those situations. When you are stressed and caught in a web of worry you are not producing anything of value for yourself, your family, or for the kingdom of God.

Paul says you can beat worry into submission by praying to your heavenly Father to lighten your burdens, praying for others in there troubles (which if you look around good enough you will find your burdens are not as heavy as some), and by thanking God for the blessings He has given you in your life. Moreover, after you have done all of that, he tells the Christ-follower to change their thoughts and meditate on the good and lovely thoughts of God.

The best way to win the battle over worry and negativity are these words by Paul. Make sure to bring your requests, complaints, hurts, and pains to God and remove the weight from your shoulders. Cast your cares on Him.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Isaiah 41-42 New Testament Col. 1