4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)
Thoughts: This is one of the most uplifting passages in the Bible or in literature. It reminds us that there is always a reason to find joy in the Lord, and we are called to find that joy and rejoice. We are called to trade in our worry for prayer with thanksgiving. Believers know that God is in control and we can trust in Him. Then Paul tells us to lift up our minds to think about the good instead of dwelling on the evil. Paul could have dwelt on the evil of many things in the pagan world around Philippi. But instead he encouraged his church family to think on the positive and not dwell on the negative. It is easy to dwell on the black dot on the white board. In our day, in which the church in the west is criticized, doubted, and discouraged, we are called to not worry but be thankful and think on what is good. In response, God gives us peace.
Prayer: Lord, keep my mind from focusing on evil things or things that would displease you. Instead, help me to focus on your grace and love.
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