I Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-14; Philippians 4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) Philippians 4:4 is probably one of the most quoted scriptures in the New Testament, next to John 3:16. And we have all used it at one time or another to encourage some one and we have all heard it used in efforts to encourage us. Rejoice…always…and again…rejoice! Just what you do not want to hear when you are in the dumps. However, this statement by Paul is not a one-time cheer rally; Paul had learned principles that initiated a pure joy, evident by the many encouraging portions of scripture we read when we study through his epistles. First, Paul learned to pray about everything, with a thankful heart…yes that was ‘everything’—what did this produce? Paul was not anxious about ‘anything’. Second, Paul understood that bringing our requests to God would produce a peace, which passes all understanding and that peace would guard our hearts and minds ‘through’ Christ Jesus. Then thirdly, we see in verses 11-13 that Paul was able to rejoice because he learned to be content, no matter what his state. “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul writes with full credibility as far as trials go and how we are to deal with them—he lived out what he preached. I think today is a good day to practice rejoicing…always…rejoice in the Lord and experience all of the wonderful benefits we read in this portion of scripture. Then fourth and last, do...'all things through Christ who strengthens...you'.

Rejoicing with you!
Carol

Next Reading: I Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15-16; Colossians 1