January 13, 2020 – Philippians 4:4-6

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. Philippians 4:4-6.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1.  How often anxiety hits our lives in so many ways. Tears and frustration follow.  The last thing we want to do is rejoice and be reasonable, even though we know the Lord  is near.

How can we rejoice, or even pray when emotion tends to drown us in a sea of angst and despair?  What is the ninth fruit of the spirit?  Self-Control.  Controlling our state of mind!  No matter where our mind wanders, concentrate on the ‘whatevers’ listed in the next verse. Think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.  Follow the example of Jesus Christ and practice, practice, and practice!

Celebrate the wonders of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He felt the weight of our sins as He hung on the cross. But, oh, the rejoicing when we turn Him.  Jesus, the Son of God, who spoke these words. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:7.

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. Philippians 4:8-9.