Philippians 4:4-9 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Lord Jesus, we have many reasons to rejoice in you today. You are our perfect righteousness and constant Advocate, our sovereign Lord and loving Spouse. In you and from you, we have everything we actually need
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Because the gospel is true, we can risk being gentle today—especially with “testy” people and circumstances that will test us. You are very “near”—both in terms of proximity and your return. Speaking of which, we’ve never longed for your return more.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
“Don’t be anxious about anything“… really? Jesus, we’re thankful that everything you command you resource with grace and Spirit-power. With palms up, we give you the people we’d love to fix, the storylines we’d love to author, the heartaches we’d love to heal, and the circumstances we’d love to alter.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
By faith, we gladly enter “Fort Peace” right now, because we really need God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds. Otherwise, worry and fear will pester us.
8 Finally, 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. 9 Whatever 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.
Jesus, you are the truest, most noble, right, pure, lovely and praiseworthy reality there is. So, we set our gaze, thoughts, and affection on you. By the superglue of grace, keep us peaceful and gentle all day long. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.
