The God of our Peace

Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:4)

It is not natural to rejoice when we find ourselves in the midst of trouble. I can remember years ago when my business was failing it was hard to think of anything but the mess I was in.  I obsessed about what to do next and never considered rejoicing.

But Paul wrote this letter while in prison. We might wonder how he could write about rejoicing while he was in chains; but it is worth noting that he says rejoice, he doesn't say be happy! He also isn't saying to rejoice in your situation, but rejoice in the Lord.

We all experience times of great trouble when we are anything but happy.  There isn't a lot to laugh about when faced with a serious illness or when we find ourselves in over our heads in debt. But, I know from personal struggles that, while I am not giggly or bubbling over with joy, I do have a sense of peace and delight when I turn to God for direction or comfort.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

(Philippians 4:5-6) 

Do not be anxious about anything...this is a tall order. It takes a deliberate action on my part to pull back from my tendency to worry and lay my burden at the foot of the cross. I have found if I do this mentally--if I can close my eyes and see myself hefting this burden into my arms and dropping it at Jesus' feet, my burden gets lighter.

That is the God of peace with you. (Philippians 4:9) 

Philippians 4:4-9

John 14:1—10

Jesus the Way to the Father

Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Trust in God, trust also in me.

I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the father except through me.

John 14

It is possible to be sad, disappointed even angry, yet without a troubled heart.

Do not be anxious about anything

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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Loosening our grip on power and control, paves the way for a peaceful heart.

Just as Jesus was comforting his disciples and attempting to explain how letting go and allowing their hearts to trust and live in faith would enable them to dwell in the peace of his promise, he speaks to us today. 

        The challenges of this world seem endless. God’s people, like everyone else, will experience the hills and valleys of this life. Some days may be very difficult to carry on. A heart and soul that trusts in the promise of our Lord however, will view their valleys from more of a heavenly perspective.Through a lens of  contentment regardless of the circumstances. I choose to have such a heart.

        Father, your ways are indeed beyond our comprehension. We cannot thank you enough for your great love and mercy. Though our minds are not capable of understanding, our hearts are able to feel. Please continue to mold them into free and faithful hearts ready and willing to do all you ask and live each day in a way that will please and honor you. Amen.

Read/Listen to John 14:1-10

Matthew 6: 19-21, 24-34

Stewardship and the Kingdom of God

What is really going to matter 100 years from now? I used to teach with an amazing man who has gone to be with the Lord, but while here, Jim was always a calming force in my life. My father lived in another state, and though he loved me and shared his wisdom with me from time to time, Jim was my dad away from dad. As a young teacher, I would sometimes get upset about things and go to him. Jim would remind me of the importance of staying calm. “The only two things worth getting worked up about are birth and death,” he would say. Though he never referenced the bible, probably because we worked in the public school setting, I discovered at his funeral how his life was driven by God’s word. No wonder he had such peace about him, even though he was often dealing with very significant issues as an administrator.

Matthew 6 reminds us of what is truly important as well, and that worry is futile. If we value that which is eternal rather than the things of this earth, we will be at peace, awaiting our heavenly home. Our birth offers us the opportunity to live for the Lord, and our fate upon death is determined by what we do in between birth and death.

 Jim was so right.

Verse 19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven….. for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Verse 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hateone and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Verse 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

Verse 27 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Verse 33 “But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul includes these verses, as he ends his letter to the Philippians; “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Amen.

Read/Listen to Matthew 6:19-34