Feb 19 - "Finding Peace"

Philippians 4: 1-9
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry 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 passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
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Instead of posting just a snippet of today's reading, as I normally do, I wanted to put the whole thing out there for you to read. Besides the opening verses of John's Gospel, this is my very favorite reading in all of the Bible.

Paul's simple words to his followers at the church in Philippi, who were having a conflict within their community at this time, are to me, a thing of pure beauty. Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter, yet, he was still able to find words of encouragement and give comfort to his friends. In spite of the fact that he likely had no comfort at this time, no one giving him encouragement, he was still able to provide an inspiring message to the church.

I've been having a rough couple of months. In the scheme of things, my life is so richly blessed, I am almost embarrassed to complain about anything. But, my travel schedule has taken me away from my family more than I'd like; work has been been a string of 12+ hour days with the weekends serving as time to catch up vs. being time for renewal; some of my responsibilities to others outside of work have fallen behind; there is an unresolved divide between two of my very closest friends; I have been unable to get out and do my favorite thing...run...as much as I'd like to. These things, when I think of them, drive me into cloud of worry, fear and doubt.

What does Paul say about this? Let them go.

I try to, but, MAN, when everything around you seems to be pushing you away from peace, from contentment, from smiles and laughter, it's really hard to just let them go. You try to struggle through, work it out and forge ahead, thinking that by sheer grit and determination, you can get through it.

I find myself praying more during these times. I pray that God will just get me through the week; that He will watch over my family when I am away; that I can provide words of support and encouragement to my friends, hoping to bring about the resolution and renewal of their relationship.

But wait...

When I look back at past times when life has been "tough", hasn't God brought me through every single time? Is God looking down on me with a loving smile? Is He, right this very moment, beaming with the countenance of a father who looks at his child when he is unnecessarily struggling, saying, "My son...peace. I will provide. I've got you covered. I will support all that you ask for in the name My Son, Jesus Christ."

And when I think about it...when I think about God and this image of Him being my sure defender, His being a mighty fortress for me; this true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable and excellent thing that is worthy of praise...I AM at peace. I have this feeling of, "What was I so worried about?!?". (God is great!!!)

So, even when it seems darkest, even when it feels like there is no end in sight to the earthly struggle through which you are treading, be like Paul. Give words of encouragement when you may have none given to you; be gentle when the situation seems to call for brashness; offer peace even if you seem to be surrounded by conflict; rejoice in the Lord! I promise you, dear friend, you will be encouraged, you will have peace and you will feel restored.

Rejoice in the Lord, again I say, Rejoice!!!