As you may know, Philippians 4: 4-9 is one of my favorite places in the universe. There are so many reasons I love hanging out among those words. When I’m floundering it supplies me with a path to follow (let your gentleness be evident to all), when I’m scared I can go sit with God, (the Lord is near), if I’m worrying it takes me to a garden for prayer (present your requests to God). Today, I’m relaxing beneath the shade of the first nine words. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again I say, rejoice!” If I follow these directions, I am gifted with a breathtaking, sweeping view.
Sometimes, though, that’s a big if. I read the news and I see what my friends post on social media and I know first-hand that life is hard. Lots of negatives, lots of anger, lots of pain. Very little to celebrate. It’s easy to keep my eyes on the ground and forget to look around. Maybe that’s why Philippians 4:4 tells us twice to rejoice. Count our blessings, be grateful, see the positives. Those are active verbs that demand energy and resolve. Actions that aren’t always easy to accomplish. How can I do it? Hmmm.
I was stumped for a few minutes about how to go on with this blog. I do not have the answer to this question. I really don’t. I went back to Philippians 4, though. The answer is, in fact, right there. Verse 8. Another action verb. Think. Consider, ponder, ruminate, concentrate – on a list of eight higher ideas and ideals: truth, nobleness, rightness, purity, loveliness, admirability, excellence, praiseworthiness. Okay, then. I can try that. When I encounter ugly or mean or difficult. When life is overwhelming and it seems like everything is lousy, I do have the ability to change my thinking. That action alone will help me lift my head and once again take in the panorama so that I can do what I started out wanting to do – Rejoice!
2 Responses to Rejoice!