Read Philippians
1
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.)
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.)
Paul wrote the letter
to the Philippians while he was in prison. In light of this, the joy and
gratitude he expresses are extraordinary. He didn’t once complain about his
circumstances or ask for help in being released. How often do we complain about
far less difficult situations than Paul’s? However, what matters most is how we
finish. Will we sit in our complaining or ask God to help us be grateful?
Surely Paul was not able to be joyous and grateful in prison on his own
strength – this was a work of the Holy Spirit in his life. The Holy Spirit
enabled Paul to take his eyes off himself and put them on the people around him
in prison and on God. There is fullness of joy when we live lives submitted to
the will of God.
Prayer
andMeditation
1. Examine your life.
Confess and repent where you’ve complained about your circumstances.
2. Ask God why He has you
in your current circumstances. Seek His purposes in your situation.
3. Think of somebody you
know who’s been given a difficult load to carry, perhaps a single mother or a
widow. Spend time praying for God to reveal His purposes in their situation.
Ask Him to give this person His joy and His peace.
