Easier Said Than Done

Monday - November 15th

Scripture to Read Today: Philippians 4:4-9

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

From jail in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, encouraging them to choose to rejoice in all circumstances. Paul's words came from first-hand troubles and his decision to find joy in the Lord no matter what circumstance he was in at the time. He was no theoretician. He was a practitioner. The apostle's advice was rooted in reality, not theory.

Paul genuinely believed and personally knew how important it is for any follower of Christ to choose to rejoice - even when our circumstances pushed us more toward worry and complaining. The first imperative he uses in the famous verses of Philippians 4:6-7 reads, "Do not be anxious about anything." The first two words, "Do not," can be translated, "Don't ever." So, Paul says to us, "Don't ever be anxious about anything." Wow! That is a lot easier said than done.

Our lives are full of reasons to worry, fret, or fear. Paul faced the potential of life-long imprisonment, or even execution, for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. He knew what he was calling us to in a deeply personal way. He understood the complexity of saying to folks who have many reasons to worry, "Don't ever be anxious about anything." His words in Philippians 4 are not abstract ideas. Nor are they Christian platitudes.

Paul knew first-hand that taking any of our concerns to God in prayer with a thankful spirit will give us what is best and what is the only true path toward peace and joy in life. Prayer transfers our problem to God's care. Being thankful as we pray for the outcome God chooses provides us the space to step back and be grateful even before we see any solution to our situation.

When you feel a little anxious or worried today, stop and prayerfully turn those circumstances into something for which you can be grateful!

Don't ever let life get the best of you. Instead, run to the Lord in prayer, expecting Him to work out His very best for you!