Philippians 4:4-9
”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 every situation, 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.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
The holiday season is a lot about lists, at least in my family. Lists of people to buy presents for, lists of people to see, lists of food to buy and make, lists of parties to attend, lists of lists to write. Ok, that last one isn’t true, but it feels like it. The holidays are stressful and at times, exhausting. I wonder what God thinks when he looks down and sees us running around looking for the last minute hostess gift. I wonder if he shakes his head and says, “All I want is for them to rejoice in the fact that I came to save them from themselves”.
As you make your to-do lists for the coming weeks, make one extra. Make a list of things to rejoice in, of whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent. There are so many praise worthy things in our lives, at the holidays and every day. We need to spend more time praising the One who gives us the gift of Everlasting life.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, while we make our lists of important items, we invite you to come: to bring us your peace, the one gift we cannot purchase. Fill our hearts with all the hopes you have dreamed about us forever. We rejoice in your presence in our lives and in our hearts, and we thank you for all our blessings. Amen.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
The holiday season is a lot about lists, at least in my family. Lists of people to buy presents for, lists of people to see, lists of food to buy and make, lists of parties to attend, lists of lists to write. Ok, that last one isn’t true, but it feels like it. The holidays are stressful and at times, exhausting. I wonder what God thinks when he looks down and sees us running around looking for the last minute hostess gift. I wonder if he shakes his head and says, “All I want is for them to rejoice in the fact that I came to save them from themselves”.
As you make your to-do lists for the coming weeks, make one extra. Make a list of things to rejoice in, of whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent. There are so many praise worthy things in our lives, at the holidays and every day. We need to spend more time praising the One who gives us the gift of Everlasting life.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, while we make our lists of important items, we invite you to come: to bring us your peace, the one gift we cannot purchase. Fill our hearts with all the hopes you have dreamed about us forever. We rejoice in your presence in our lives and in our hearts, and we thank you for all our blessings. Amen.
1 comment:
Mary Anne Kennedy Lyberg
Absolutely beautiful. Angela. Thanks for putting life in perspective
Tom Knapp
Well said Angela
Post a Comment