Relax – Philippians 4:4-5
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Can you rejoice always? Oh, it’s easy to rejoice when things are going good. It’s easy to rejoice when things are going your way. But what about when things aren’t going good? What about those times when things aren’t going your way? Can you rejoice then? That’s when we have to remind ourselves of this verse.
Verse 5 says to let our gentleness be evident to all. What happens when things don’t go your way? Are you gentle? We’re tempted to be the exact opposite aren’t we? Frustrated, tense, on the edge. Perhaps that’s why we see Paul say to rejoice here as well. Maybe this is Paul’s way of saying “Relax. it’s all good.” Even in those times when it feels the Lord isn’t near, we need to remember that He is.
It’s because He is near, we need to remember that He is in control. That’s all the reason we need to rejoice. All the reason to relax.
Let this be a focus in your time of meditation throughout the day. Until next time, shalom!
SOURCE: Steve Moutria at TorahFamily.org (Posted with permission)
https://torahfamily.org/relax-philippians/
Rejoicing during difficult times is a challenge. Practice practice practice.
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I found it interesting that this was the one I was to post today. I have been having some difficulties here recently. I guess God wanted to remind me to rejoice...always! Looks like I am getting that practice you are referring to!
I am tempted to look at challenges as defeats when they are really opportunities to overcome. Overcoming challenges builds faith and also makes us successfull. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
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I think you are right we really should look at them as opportunities to grow our faith in HIM!
Difficulties here? Here as in home or here on steemit?
Home...
Oh no, that doesn’t sound good. Any prayer requests I can pray for?
Just provisions to get some new breaks and fix my garage roof. I have had a couple of spots break through leaving a hole behind. I used a few random shingles I had laying around and put those up making my garage look like it has some bandaid's on it.
Thanks for the offer of prayer!
Howdy again sir simms50! yes sir, it's all about walking in love. If we get off the rails then we're a terrible witness and that could ruin an unbeliever's impression of Christianity for good so it's very important!
Excellent point....thanks for the positive comment!!!