Philippians 4 is among my favorite chapters in the Bible. It's a perfect model for walking in contentment. Today, I find myself in great need of a reminder. For, as Sassy draws near to her due date, she's kind of hating the world. Although, I'm not ornery or moody--as my actions do not define me, Christ does--I sure am behaving that way lately. So, today, I need a reminder in dieing to this flesh of mine.
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. (Phil. 4:4-7)
I used to believe the peace of God was automatic. However, reading these verses reminds me that it requires active participation on my part. To tap into that peace, my focus must lie in the correct place. That place is not only in the Lord, but rejoicing in Him--remember who He is, what He's done, how He loves me--and rejoicing in that. Just imagine. If we spent our days with that focus, there wouldn't much time to fall into the ornery pattern I've been in lately. With that focus, I'm enabled to better practice gentleness and grace because I recognize that the Lord does the same with me. Thank you Jesus!
Join Sassy in practicing verses 4 and 5 today. We'll delve into the others as the week progresses. But for today, the challenge of turning my focus from myself to my Lord and others, is more than enough!
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