Rejoice! Who me?

Yesterday, I wrote a devotion about Philippians 4:4-8.  Basically, I paraphrased this scripture;  and, I want to say something about what I wrote, because I know many of you may find the thought of being happy all the time hard to swallow.  Guess what!  I agree.  I doubt anyone is happy all the time:  it sounds impossible.  However, that is what I saw yesterday, as I read the scripture.

There is a joy that goes beyond being happy all the time.  And this joy is only available through knowing Jesus Christ, through trusting Him as the Lord of your life, as your Savior.  If you know Jesus, there is always a reason to rejoice.  Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (KJV, Phil. 4:40).  I think he was speaking of celebration.  Celebrate the Lord always, because knowing the Lord gives us reason to rejoice.  

Life doesn't always go the way we want it to go.  Things happen--sometimes, really bad things.  However, our attitude about life can make a difference.  Trusting in God and rejoicing in Him can make a difference.  You may say, she doesn't know:  I bet her life is great all the time.  No, it's not:  I watched my son die in a hospital.  I had a son-in-law that died in a car crash.  However, God gave my family and myself the strength to go through those things.  I can rejoice in God, because in the midst of horrible circumstances, He gives  peace that passes all understanding.

Controversy? Recriminations? Do Not Worry.

Today, I am tired of controversy, speculation, and recriminations.  I admit to having been keeping track of the political comments my friends are making or sharing on a well-known social media site.  I have made a few myself.  And I am tired, stressed, and have had an impending stress headache for several hours.  So, what do I have to say now?  The same thing I said yesterday, today, and tomorrow is what I have to say.  This is it.

Let me break down Philippians 4 into plain American English.  This is my paraphrase:

"Be happy in the Lord all the time.  This is very important -- we must rejoice.  Have restraint in your life, so all men know you are to be trusted, do not be full of excess in your life.  The Lord is near (all the time)  and He is coming soon.  (As we can see now--soon is relative in meaning to us.  We think soon is next week or next year, but it could be longer to the Lord.)  But live like Jesus will come today.  Live a life that pleases Him.  

Don't live your life in fear, worrying about everything.  Bring all your concerns to God in prayer with thanksgiving to God, because we know He answers prayer and He knows best.  If you pray believing in God's answer for whatever you pray, you will have peace that surpasses anything you have ever known.  This peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, where they should be.

Finally, brothers, think on things that you know are true, are honest, and are right.  Keep your minds on things that are pure, things that are lovely (wonderful, beautiful) and those things that are good about other people and life.  If there is anything virtuous or good, and if there is anything to be thankful about and about which to praise God, think these good thoughts."

Father in Heaven, I thank you for Your peace that encompasses me.  I can rest in You, knowing that there is nothing which is out of Your reach.  This earth, this universe, everything in it is Yours.  I trust Your wisdom, Your grace, and Your mercy, Lord.  Help me and my brothers and sisters in Christ to remember to lay our lives and our concerns into Your hands, trusting Your will to be done and thanking You for the answers.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

^{Philippians 4: 4-8 (King James Version)}

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

⁵ Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.