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 every situation, 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. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
Key reflections:
- In difficult times it can be hard to be positive and rejoice in what God is doing.
- When we find ourselves drawn to God in thanksgiving, we also find the confidence needed for our next step in facing what is ahead of us.
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The church in Philippi was planted amidst a colony of retired Roman soldiers. Lydia was a wealthy woman living in that city, and she was Paul’s first convert in Asia (Acts 16:11–15). She became a leader in that church, and she was a great woman of faith. Hers was a church that experienced the uncertainty of the times: a troubling time when persecution of Christians was rife.
Paul, their founding pastor, encouraged them to stay in the mindset of being positive and rejoicing in trials. He wanted them to know that their faith would continue to grow as long as they remained faithful.
In uncertain times, continuing to rejoice in the Lord is not easy. When we are trudging through unemployment, or facing insecure housing, or when a relationship is experiencing strain, it can be hard to rejoice in the Lord. Paul exhorts us not to be anxious, but rather, to bring our prayers and petitions, with thanksgiving, to God.
When we find ourselves drawn to Him in thanksgiving, we also find the confidence needed for our next step in facing the day ahead of us
When we start our rejoicing with an attitude of thankfulness, we will be reminded of God’s goodness. God has blessed us thus far in our lives. God has always been faithful, both in meeting our needs and in encouraging our steps. When we find ourselves drawn to Him in thanksgiving, we also find the confidence needed for our next step in facing the day ahead of us. We know that tomorrow we will find that there is so much to be thankful for, and all within the difficulties this day held.
Finding peace within which we can guard our hearts and minds, is a powerful image. Within the Bible, we learn that the Roman soldiers would guard every street and sacred place. The presence of the Guards was seen as protection from evil. Our hearts and minds need a guard in times of uncertainty – to know that the peace of God is active and impenetrable! God is our ultimate shield. Thanks be to God!
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Devotion written by Tim Costello
Originally published as Thankfulness in Times of Uncertainty – The Ultimate Shield
Our Thankfulness Series
Feature image: CanvaPro
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