Wednesday, June 8
Joy, grace and prayer
Scripture: 2 Kings 1-2, Psalm 67, Philippians 4
Philippians 4:4–7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Observation
Paul concludes his letter with these very practical instructions.
First, rejoice in the Lord always. The Christian life is joyful—we ought to be the most joyful people on the planet. Not because life is perfect, but because we are “in the Lord,” we have a relationship with Jesus. This is a source of joy that cannot be changed by circumstances. Joy in this life is always in spite of something. There are always hardships, difficulties, disappointments; we rejoice in the Lord anyway. It is not a form of triumphalism (we always win); it is grace in the midst of the hardship, joy in spite of what’s happening.
Second, we are gracious and gentle with everyone because the Lord is near. This could refer to either the Lord’s immediate presence now, or His return. An awareness of either/both is motivation to be gracious and gentle with all. I love the idea of living each moment in the Lord’s presence, aware that He is near, and letting that affect my behavior. Think how we behave differently in the presence of certain people. Now…live in the presence of the Lord and let your graciousness to everyone be evident.
Third, don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. And then God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds. Sometimes I don’t know what to pray for—I draw a blank. Here’s my answer: what am I worried about? Let each worry be a catalyst to prayer. Pray until you experience His peace.
Application
Today, I will rejoice in the Lord. When faced with difficulty, I will remind myself of His presence and goodness and rejoice in Him.
Today, I will be gracious to all because the Lord is near.
Today, I will turn every worry into prayer and experience His peace.
Prayer: Lord, I’m so grateful that You are with me. Let all these things be true of me today…and every day!