Tag: Philippians 4:4-7
Day 2–Pray–Don’t Worry
Scripture reading for April 14: Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul was writing to a supporting church from prison in Rome. He was awaiting a verdict that would determine whether he lived or was executed. He knew that the believers would be distressed because of his circumstances and that they also faced possible arrest and execution. He wrote to instruct them and to show them how to cope with daily stress and temptations to worry. His instructions are simple and helpful to all of us in the responder community.
Again we are encouraged to rejoice in the midst of difficulties and troubles. In fact, Paul states it twice for emphasis! He then tells them to let their reasonableness be known to all. When we are secure in Christ Jesus through faith and relationship, it is reasonable to rest in joy and confidence that God is in control. It is our choice to rejoice and to pray with thanksgiving recognizing that God is near to us and with us.
We are also instructed not to worry but to pray about all our fears and needs. When we pray, we should pray in faith that God will answer and even thank Him in advance for hearing and providing. When we cast our cares on the Lord we are to leave them there. In place of our cares and fears, God’s peace will come over us and guard our hearts and minds from worry and fear. We do our part by refocusing our thought life on what is good, lovely and perfect. We also set an example for other believers that helps everyone. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Prayer: Father, thank You for this simple instruction for Your children to live in peace and not fear or anxiety. Help me to practice this and be the example You desire for others and those You send me to help. Thank You for hearing and answering! I will meditate on Your goodness and grace. Amen.
Day 5–The Rubber Meets the Road
Scripture reading for March 6: Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God , which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It was close to my bedtime on a cool fall night and I was in my sweatpants when my phone began to beep loudly signaling an emergency. “I am Responding” had broadcast a need to those willing to volunteer. A car wreck with possible fire and entrapment had taken place about five miles south of my home. I clicked on “responding” and “station 2”, and slipped on my jeans, grabbed my radio and flashlight and quickly took my pickup to the station a half-mile away. I met two other responders I regularly work with and we quickly dawned our fire gear and reflective vests. They took the big engine and I took the grass truck, praying as we sped to help.
Arriving at the scene, there were already a highway patrol, sheriff’s deputy, adjacent fire company and an ambulance soon arrived. The scene was chaotic and spread out. There were multiple fatalities and an entrapment plus one of the vehicles was on fire. There was construction on the four lane highway and it was blocked off. I parked my grass truck and immediately went to help the medics and other firemen attend to those who were injured. I got supplies from the ambulance and was directed to help with a relative who was hysterical over a deceased loved one. Two of the injured were young children with severe trauma. They had been pulled from a burning vehicle. I was particularly drawn to pray for them. We established a landing zone and one was taken by life-flight helicopter to the hospital.
God’s presence was there that night. His angels were ministering and helped as answers to prayers. The two girls recovered and those entrapped were cut out. Many responders worked together to meet needs and help the hurting. I had many opportunities to pray for people and share God’s love and comfort. I am confident that our Lord was present and is yet fulfilling His plans and purposes. We thank our Lord for His presence and mercy!
Appropriate Christ’s attitude!
Scripture reading for November 30: Philippians 1-4
Sometimes my attitude stinks! I am occasionally withdrawn, grumpy, and irritable. I can be centered on myself and what I want that day. I am in need of an “attitude adjustment”! The Word of God provides that for us. As we take it into our minds and hearts, it can do surgery on us. (Hebrews 4:12) Jesus Christ, Himself, modeled for us the kind of attitude that would please God.
Paul prayed a lot for those in Philippi. There was a church there with saints, overseers, and deacons that he had helped to set in place. He was confident that God would complete the work He had begun in each of them that had believed. He prayed that the love of these believers would abound more and more. (Philippians 1:6-11) He wanted them to be filled with the fruits of righteousness so that the Lord would receive glory!
These saints and leaders were encouraged by Paul to be united in love and purpose. (Philippians 2:2-3) Unity comes from fellowship with the Holy Spirit and a humble spirit towards God and each other. We must learn to bear with one another and try and look out for others rather than focusing on ourselves. The best example of this is Jesus Christ.
Jesus had a perfect attitude. He was God and owner and ruler of the universe, but He humbled Himself and took on human likeness through the incarnation. He willingly laid down all the power and privilege of royalty to be obedient to the Father. He obeyed the Father by laying down His life on the cross, enduring the death of the lowest criminal. Because of His obedience, God exalted Him to the highest place of all through the resurrection. His Name is the highest name in the universe and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord!
We are working out our salvation while God is at work in us. We humbly obey Him and do all things without grumbling or complaining. We know that God has given us the task of sharing the Word of life in Christ. We rejoice always! (Philippians 4:4) We pray about everything and enjoy the peace of Christ! (Philippians 4:6-7) We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us! (Philippians 4:13) We know that our God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:19) What an attitude of victory and joy when we imitate Christ in humble obedience.