OK, so most of us have taken time to read the directions on the shampoo bottle at least once. While we could take some time to debate how many times we are supposed to "repeat" this process, I want to focus on how this concept of doing something over and over applies to our faith walk with Jesus. I have been studying through the book of Philippians and Paul has given us so much within these four books to challenge, encourage, teach, and help us as we seek to follow Jesus.
In Phil. 4:4 we read; "Rejoice in the Lord always and I will say it again rejoice" Sound familiar? (Wash. Rinse. Repeat.) Now, intuition tells me that if something is repeated a second time it must be important. Paul is letting the Philippians (and us) know that we are to rejoice. Period. When things are going your way, rejoice. When things are difficult, rejoice. When people disappoint you, rejoice. When the wheels come off, and the Ox goes in the ditch, rejoice. I am so hard headed that I need to see and hear this a number of times before I take it to heart. Then when I think I have it down, I need to be reminded again.
See, it is God's will that we rejoice in all things and not be a slave to the burdens of life in this world. James promised us in Chapter 1 that WE WILL HAVE TROUBLES! We need to take heart because Jesus has this and all circumstances under control and He DOES NOT need our help, He needs our faith. Paul goes on to say later in chapter 4 of Philippians (v.6) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This is further proof that we are not to take ownership of our struggles, but instead with a thankful heart, bring them to the problem solver! And then we can experience the promise of verse 7- (my paraphrase)- "Only then can we experience the peace of God. The peace that our finite little human minds cannot begin to comprehend, and that same peace will offer a protective shield around our hearts and minds which is where anxiety is born and raised!"
So, I want to challenge you to do a couple of things:
1. Read Philippians chapter 4 before you go to bed tonight
2. Read Philippians 1,2 & 3 this week.
3. Put into practice Phil. 4:6
4. Tell someone else what Jesus did for you on the cross
Waiting on Him,
ML
