Seriously, guys! This is one of my favorite chapters in the whole bible. Every time I read it, the Holy Spirit uses it to relate to my current situation.
The theme of our study throughout the book of Philippians has been Joyful Service. Chapter 4 kind of sums up the study. As I was reading, I feel like God is saying, “Think on these things and put them into practice.”
Joyful Service. The Joyful part is addressed in verses 4-7.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
The bible says, “Rejoice!” Joy in the Lord brings the peace of God. This joy and peace will surround and guard our hearts and minds. It protects us. When we submit ourselves and our problems to God, bathing our lives in joy and thankfulness, we are protected and embraced by God’s peace.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)
Think on these things. Truth. Honor. Justice. Purity. Loveliness. Commendable. Excellence. Worthiness. Praiseworthy. Think about them and practice them. A life where these principles are reflected on and put into practice is one that is a sweet service to God. Surrounded and upheld by peace and joy.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
Sometimes, living a Christ-centered life seems impossible. Joyful Service is overwhelming in the face of tragedy, workload, obstacles, or opposition. When it is hard to rejoice, it is time to fill our minds with those things that God says to saturate ourselves in. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
I wrote this post Sunday afternoon, and then Sunday night at our Night of Worship at my church, my pastor read the exact passages from Philippians 4 that I used in this post. One of the things that he brought out is that we become what we think about. He quoted Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he…”
Action Step: Have you ever heard of a dream board? A dream board is usually a board of pictures and words that show what you want your future to be or include. I propose that we make a board with the photos, crafts, and words that demonstrate what we are to focus on and think about. Maybe it will be a digital one, to use as a background screen on your computer or a screen saver. Or maybe you are more of a paper person who needs an actual board on the wall. What are the things that make you think true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellence, and praiseworthy? Let’s be intentional about the thoughts that are creating what we become. Collect them on a “thought board” and put them in front of you to keep your thought life saturated in the peace and joy of God daily.
Dear God, please help us to put your Word into practice. Enable us to think your thoughts and live a life of joyful service, devotion in action, saturated in your love, peace, and joy. Surround us with your presence in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.