Paul wrote the book of Phillipians, thanking this church for their help and concern for him while imprisoned in Rome. He also focused on uplifting and encouraging them in their faith. In this final chapter of his letter to them, he gave them some vital keys to his own ability to have a positive mindset and strong faith even though his circumstances were far from desirable. 

He started with an attitude, a deliberate approach to his day: He told them to rejoice….not because of the circumstances but because of their focus on the Lord. And he reminded them the Lord was near. Paul knew that even though he was in chains and confined to a prison, he was not alone. God was with Him and this gave him hope, confidence and a cause to rejoice. 

He gave them an action plan “for every situation”. Instead of being anxious and feeling powerless, he urged them “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (v6)

He gave them a focus for their thoughts: “..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.” (v8)

Life certainly has its ups and downs, its twists and turns, and its unexpected pitfalls. In fact, the weight of circumstances can feel like a crushing, smothering burden you can’t escape. If we let our difficult circumstances set the tone, we are doomed. But if we follow Paul’s example, we have an action plan and a focus that can set the right attitude for our day. Because of Christ, Paul could encourage us to “Rejoice”. 

Prayer: Father, this Thanksgiving week is a special time to celebrate and rejoice as we count the abundance of your blessings. But, Lord, we ask that you instill within us the strength and grace to find daily gratitude and peace. No matter our circumstances, may we be empowered by Your Spirit to rise up each morning with a heart that exclaims to the world…Rejoice! 

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭

 I used to look for signs that God was there, something tangible that I could see and point to and show myself and others as proof that God had heard my prayer and He had given me clear direction. But that’s not living by faith. That’s living by sight. God doesn’t always give us a sign or that miracle we  prayed for. There’s not always a clearly marked path. And this becomes the ultimate stretching of our faith. Is God there when I can’t see Him at work, or when I can’t hear His voice, or I don’t get that sign, or life seems messy and doesn’t make sense? How do I take that next step when I am not sure? That can be a place where doubts and fears want to unsettle us and distract us. But it’s ok if we are battling doubts and fears. We don’t have to have all of the answers or a deep understanding. We just have to have a relationship with the One who does. We have to cling to the truths of His Word -“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭

How grateful I am for His Word. It is the map for my life and the Holy Spirit is my experienced guide. My duty is not to have full knowledge of the journey but to trust that God desires for me to move forward. Faith is an action. If my heart wants to move closer to God and spiritual maturity, then that becomes my destination. I have to surrender my ideas of what that journey should look like and trust Him. 

”Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step." - Joni Erickson Tada

Prayer: May God grant you the courage and strength to be willing to take the next step, and the next, and the next. Praise be to God who promises to guide us and never leave us alone. “I can feel His hand in mine, that’s all I need to know.”

We are not meant to be the source of our strength. God is meant to be the source. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭29‬. What is our part? TO HOPE. 

This is not the kind of hope that is a feeling or mere wishful thinking. This is a hope that is anchored to something or someone. Isaiah 40:31 tells us the Source of our hope is the Lord. It also tells us that we are going to need something from that source. We will need renewal. Just like our electronic devices have to be plugged in to a source of electricity to recharge and be effective, we have to plug into our source. We are meant to have a relationship with God where we draw from His strength, His love, And His overflowing wisdom and grace. 

Recognizing that we will never be enough no matter how hard we try or how many self help books we read, is an important first step to understanding how desperately we need God. From that awareness of a deep seated need comes the natural flowing gratitude that we should approach Him with. It is a gratitude that is thankful that every time we fail and every time we falter, and every time we think we are at rock bottom, we can come to the Source of life itself and be renewed. Then, and only then can we soar. 

Prayer: Father, how grateful we are that we have a source of comfort and love to run to when we are tired and weary and worn down. We are grateful that we don’t have to be enough because You are enough. May we learn to rest and be restored as we anchor our hope in You! 

How has God given you strength when you felt weak?