"Rejoice in the Lord, again I say rejoice. Let all men know your forebearance. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 6:4,5)
As I was meditating on this I became aware of how often I complain instead of rejoicing. The hard part of rejoicing "always" is when things aren't going my way. I can rejoice quickly and easily when I hear good news or experience something wonderful. Anyone can do that. When I am cut off in traffic, get in the shortest line at the grocer that then takes the longest time due to some difficulty, have a disagreement with one I love, etc., etc. That is when it is difficult to rejoice, yet that is the very time it is so important and actually helpful. When I succeed in such circumstances to rejoice in the Lord and give thanks the moment begins to be transformed into a time of sweet fellowship with our God! He calms me and lifts my spirit.
The next verse assures of us that..."Be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication, WITH THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 4:6,7).
Again, I am good at prayer and supplication, pleading with God for one thing or another, one person or another. But, the key to peace is doing all that pleading with a heart of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for the circumstances and for the people. I am working on that....
Blessings in Jesus, Gerry+
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