Tag: Philippians 4:8-9
Job’s Repentance
Scripture reading for August 21: Job 42:1-6 “Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Philippians 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Job had requested an audience with God and God had appeared to him and began asking him questions that revealed Job’s total lack of understanding and wisdom. Although Job had maintained his faith, he had made statements that were not right and were presumptive. Through God’s amazing questions, Job began to see his own shortcomings and presumption. Job also saw more clearly the vast wisdom and power of the Lord and how His plans and purposes were established. Nothing could stop God Who knows everything and is all-powerful.
Whenever anyone draws near to God or God reveals His presence and holiness, man’s response should be humility and repentance. As we go through the trials of sickness and demonic attack, it is good to stay humble and teachable. God wants us to come to Him and recognize Him as all-knowing and all-powerful. We should be careful of how we speak, remembering that our words have power and Satan wants to get us into doubt and unbelief. Paul encouraged the Philippians to focus on God–He alone is good and excellent and worthy of praise. We must practice this positive focus after giving all our concerns to God in prayer. He hears and will answer us, sometimes with questions that help us know His power and ability better. Amen!
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.