READ:
Philippians 4
We often think peace has to do with our circumstances. If things are
going well, we have peace. If things are chaotic, we can’t have peace. Yet
according to vs. 4-7 we can have peace and it has everything to do with how we
are relating to God. The challenge is to rejoice in all things. ALL things. Not
being anxious about our situations is also key. When we rejoice, we are putting
our focus on the Lord rather than on our dilemma. In order to avoid anxiety
from worry, we are told to pray. If we practice this as the Lord outlined it in
this chapter, we’ll first be rejoicing, which will give us perspective, and
remind us who we serve and who God Almighty is. With this reminder and refocus,
going to prayer is much, much easier. When we pray with this kind of focus we
can’t help but leave our worries in His more than capable hands. When we see
there is nothing left for us to do but to wait on God who is good and worthy of
our praise, and who has all things in His control, we will have peace.
Phil. 4:8 is a well-known verse about what to think about. This is an
ideal passage for taking thoughts captive and training, and retraining, our
thoughts, and therefore hearts, in purity and holiness. It also establishes our
worldview in Truth and Love. When our hearts and minds are full of things
pleasing to the Lord, our actions will follow suit. In this kind of solid
thinking and living we will know and sense the God of peace. Our minds will not
be thrown into confusion by lies, or tempted to sin with gossip, or vengeful thinking,
or ideas that are contrary to God’s holy will and plan. When we are aligned
with God through His Spirit we will know His peace.
Paul spends some time thanking the Philippians for their gift, and
explaining how tough things had been for him for a while when no one sent him
anything. He explains how he is glad they are concerned for him again. Not
because he needed them to send him stuff, even though he did. To Paul their
revived concern shows they are growing again and listening to the Holy Spirit. So
he is thrilled! The other benefit of having gone without is Paul can now say
with confidence that he can live with joy even with he doesn’t have very much
or anything at all. His sights have been set higher.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Reflect on a current or recent struggle or
difficult situation you have had. Were you rejoicing in the midst of it? Ask
the Lord to reveal to you a current struggle you are having and ask the Holy
Spirit to show you how to rejoice in HIM through this. Ask Him to turn your eyes
to Him and see His strength, provision, might, and love in your situation.
Praise Him for it!
2.
Ask the Holy spirit to show you a lie you have been
believing or a difficulty you are facing that could be turned around completely
if you captured your thoughts and deliberately focused on things approved by
Phil. 4:8. Ask God to give you the truth about your situation, and help you to
think pure and holy thoughts about this difficulty and the people involved.
3.
The Philippians growth was evidenced by the way
they cared for Paul, their spiritual leader. Ask the Lord to show you if there
is someone (perhaps a spiritual leader, cell leader, or mentor) who you should
care for in some way, even if it’s small. Leaders are encouraged when they see
growth in those they lead. Ask God if there is another step you need to take in
any other area that would show others your growth and fruit
