Month: September 2023

Philippians 4:14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 

I am guilty of putting the apostles, like Paul who wrote Philippians, on pedestals at times. They don’t feel like everyday humans like me. They feel….elevated somehow, more than. I’m sure this is tied up in how foundational the apostles and their writings were to the founding and spreading of Christianity. But what strikes me today is Paul’s humanity.

Philippians 4:15-16 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.  

He thanks the Philippians for sharing in his troubles. He wants to be sure they get the credit they deserve for showing up for him when he needed it, when no one else did. I absolutely understand gratitude for those who show up for me, who share in my troubles, who help me out, who lift me up when I am struggling. I, too, try to acknowledge and thank them for their love and kindness.

Philippians 4:17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.

Lord, Thank You for helping me see connections with Paul, a foundational apostle and early Christian. Sometimes what’s in the Bible seems so foreign, so far from life as I know it. Thank You for helping me see these connections. Thanks also for wonderful people who show up for me in life. Help me to be there for others in that way. Amen.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Have a blessed day.

Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 

Contentment whatever the circumstances is a beautiful gift, and one I continue to try to cultivate. I’m not there yet, though I’m a little better than I used to be…I think. I wish I could tell you how I made whatever progress I’ve made, but that’s God, 100%, because, my self-sufficient, have a plan, make everything better tendencies do not lend themselves to contentment. At. All.

Philippians 4:12a I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty…. 

And even when I struggle, I know what I need to do (even if I have trouble doing it). I’m trying to recognize that God has me. Always. He is with me. He is sovereign. He is loving and gracious. He can and will supply all my needs IF I allow Him to. It’s my getting out of His way and allowing Him to work that’s always been the problem. Jesus, Help me.

Philippians 4:12b …I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

Precious Savior, Thank You for Your presence in my life and Your fierce love. Thank You that peace and love and contentment can be found in You always. Help me to draw closer daily, to lay down my burdens at Your feet, to allow myself to be swaddled in Your love, grace, and peace no matter my circumstances. Amen.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Have a blessed day.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Apparently, I have entered a phase of life where sleep is elusive. Again last night I saw way too many hours tick off the clock. So I am incredibly heartened that in the span of three verses I am told that the peace of God and the God of peace will be with me today.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

I’ve read those verses several times this morning, but it wasn’t until I typed them out that it dawned on me that verse 7 and verse 9 aren’t saying the same thing. Both are vital. Both provide balm to my soul. Both are present with me according to this scripture. Thank You, Jesus.

Philippians 4:9a Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice…. 

Precious Savior, Thank You that all You ask of me on any given day is the best I have to give. Sometimes my best is pretty great, if I do say so myself. Other times my best isn’t much. Thank You that You are with me, that Your peace is with me. Always. Thank You that Your love and care for me isn’t contingent on what my best looks like today. Thank You that I am always Your fiercely loved child. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Philippians 4:9b …And the God of peace will be with you.

Have a blessed day.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

The daily devo I read each morning (Sarah Young’s _Jesus Calling_) began today, “You will not find my peace by engaging in excessive planning….” I’ve mentioned before that I am a planner. I have a plan, a back up plan, and a contingency plan for the back up. And I can attest that that way leads to even more anxiety as I continue to think of contingencies that might need planning for. There is never an end.

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

But I am learning–oh so slowly, I’m learning–to trust more and plan less. I still have a plan. I’ve at least pondered what to do if it starts going sideways, but the contingency back-up plan never quite comes to fruition anymore, and I can attest that there is definitely less anxiety involved, and sometimes, there is even excitement about the possibilities.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Lord, I love when You speak so clearly to my heart about matters that I know I still need to turn over to You as You did this morning. Thank You for the progress I’ve made in the area of planning and anxiety and trusting You. Thank You that I am Your deeply, fiercely loved child even when I struggle. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Have a blessed day.