Joy and Gracious Gentleness
During this time of worldwide upheaval and uncertainty, we find that we are bombarded by doom and gloom. The false hopes of fame and fortune are proven to be devoid of offering any everlasting hope.
The Apostle Paul gives an unfailing formula for receiving the peace of God.
We can spend precious hours reading Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. You will be wise to do so. Paul gives us the unfailing promise for receiving Joy and Gentleness in Philippians 4:4-9.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Whatever our circumstance Paul reminds us to Rejoice in the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of our rejoicing in The Lord by restating it and adding the word, always. Paul is chained in a Roman jail. Death is sure to come. The Philippian church is facing uncertainty and persecution. Paul tells them that he has thought all over, nevertheless he exhorts them to Rejoice in the Lord.
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Paul reminds us that our gentleness is a now thing, The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The emphasis is on thanksgiving. Every Prayer in every situation must be with thanksgiving. No matter what, true believers are to offer prayer and petition to God with thanksgiving. Therefore, we as children of God need not be anxious in any situation.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Paul reminds us that even though we, as humans, do not understand the magnitude of God’s peace, we can know with absolute certainty that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.
8 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.
I remind you that Paul was in chains in prison when He gave us a game plan for our lives. No matter what our circumstance, we are to exude Joy and Graciousness.
9 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.
Paul is telling us to put into practice that which we have learned and seen in him.
And God’s Peace will be with us. Paul is saying, “You have seen and believe it. Now DO IT!
Back in the days when churches had revivals, each night’s service was preceded by a Booster Band Choir for kids. They always sang this chorus.
I have the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy
Down in my heart.
Down in my heart to stay,
I have the Love of Jesus
Down in my heart to stay.
I have the Peace that passes understanding.
Down in my heart.
Down in my heart to stay.
And if the devil doesn’t like it
He can set on a tack-TO STAY.
Be joyful and Gracious. Now!
Do it with God’s help and, for His Glory.
1. Make a list, each day of God’s gifts and what you are thankful for. 2.Define ways that you can be gracious to others. Learn to, and practice graciousness to all you meet. God will strengthen you and Bless others through your acts of graciousness to others.
2. Rejoice in the Lord in all times. I will say it again Rejoice! Let your gracious gentleness be known to all men and women and boys and girls. The Lord is near.
Frank Gillham
