Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I am in love with Philippians right now.
Is there any better text that points us in the direction of Christ? I look at the whole book and revel in the challenge of living everyday in Christ, or as Amy and I shared with the community at North York Chinese Baptist the other weekend: “Imitate Christ, Now!”
I will admit, I failed where Philipians 4:4 challenges us. This is one of my struggles.
How do I turn and rejoice even in the challenging, frustrating, emotionally-draining times?
As Francis Chan says, even the lost can praise God in the good times, but why can’t we, the faithful, praise in the bad times? I need to be able to do this. Praise God everyday. If I am going to be living out my theology, this is a concern.
How does being able to see God in the bad times become an unconscious action, and when does it become more than a habit?
The Emerging Network 