Paul sent his encouraging letter to the Philippians
first encouraging them that they are precious to him. This struck me as it is
how I feel God has been encouraging me this week as I have suffered through a physical
trial of sorts. Sometimes it is hard to admit to ourselves when we are weak in
body. We try to keep going ignoring symptoms and realize when we cannot get up
that there is an issue. Thank God that we have Him and His people to encourage us
today!
Paul was trying to help people to settle an
agreement but the words beyond this first paragraph will hopefully encourage you
in this time we live even more!
Therefore,
my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see
you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please,
because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my
true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling
others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my
co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. Philippians 4:1-3
When we are encouraged by those we work
along side in times of trouble, it strengthens the bond of friendship. It can
give us physical strength to endure hardship if we have someone walking along
in it with us. The key is that at least one of us is full joy encouraging the
other and reminding them of the scriptures that will lift us up! Psalm 91 is
one of the psalms my friends have reminded me of lately. It has helped me
through this shut down time to remember that He is with us and is our refuge.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say
it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.
Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:4
When we think of other people, we are
considerate of them, then we can lift them up. We can pull them out of the pit
of despair or depression if we keep on encouraging them to find their happy
place and seek God there! But we have to put their needs before our own or it can
backfire on us. People can usually tell if we are being sincere or not.
Paul encourages them to pray about everything!
Not to worry about things, but to let God know what they need! That’s the best
thing we can do for some people is pray for them and encourage them that God
cares about everything in our life’s big things or small ones!
Do not worry about anything; instead,
pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has
done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can
understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ
Jesus.
When we put our petition to God, and
really trust that He will answer things go smooth, but sometimes we have a hard
time trusting that God will get us out of here! Sometimes we just feel like giving
up…letting the enemy win…
Don’t do it! The best thing I have been
able to do is to look for encouragement in the Word!
I was attacked by insects in my beautiful
garden. I am highly allergic to them so for me it was a true attack. Then I
took a nap to let the allergy medicine work and was attacked by a spider that
decided he wanted to lunch on me while I napped! My son took care of the
spider, but I have had to deal with a double reaction to major issues. During
this time of closures and restrictions I did not want to try to get to my
doctor. So, I did what I knew I was supposed to do and allowed it to run its course.
Oh, my goodness it was not easy! I will have scars. But do you know what? I
will have the victory! I have a story of faith night after night when things
got rough, I prayed, I was protected by my God and I was comforted by His
people! Even though it was via phone and email I was encouraged through the
Word of God. People sent me verses who had no idea what I was going through
that encouraged me to keep fighting!
As Paul tells them to keep their eyes and
thoughts on the truth what is right, honorable, pure and lovely and good report
… I think on these things! In this I can
find peace today! I hope you can too!
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one
final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and
pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and
worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from
me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be
with you.
Dear Heavenly Father, Help us stay
focused on the positive, the positive love, hope, and encouragement in Your
Word and from Your people, Lord help them to sustain us until things can be
normal and healthy again. In Jesus’ name amen.
Suggested Reading: Psalm 91: 1-16, Philippians
3:1-21 and 4:1-22,