Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:4-7When I first started studying my Bible, today’s passage was the first one I memorized. At the time, I needed these verses desperately. We had just lost our three-year-old son to strep throat. It was tragic and shocking. I was searching for anything that would help me pick myself up off the floor.
Jesus and my Bible became the answer for me. Today’s passage became my lifeline. I said it over and over again for a very long time.
I figured if this passage could pick me up off the floor after losing our son, it could help you put any anxiety or worry out of your mind as well. God wants us to rejoice in Him, always. Our joy is what draws others to God, especially as we face hard times.
When Paul wrote the passage above He was in prison for his faith in Jesus and spreading the Gospel. Yet, Paul reminds us that, no matter what, we should rejoice in the Lord. Even if the situation is horrible, we can rejoice in the Lord and be filled with peace beyond our comprehension.
Take a moment and slowly re-read each phrase in the passage above.
Now, ask yourself if you really believe these words are true. Really and truly deep down in your heart? There’s no right answer, and it’s ok if you are struggling to answer. That’s why it’s called faith. There is no direct, tangible evidence for our minds to prove that these words are true. You simply must choose.
After eight years, I can tell you this: I have experienced the absolute truth of the words in the passage above. When I rejoice in the Lord, when I remember He is near, when I trade my worries and anxieties for prayers, a peace fills me that is beyond comprehension. My mind and my heart have been guarded by Christ. Every. Single. Time.
Whether you are certain God’s Word is truth or still have some doubts, try it for yourself. Choose a verse that will help you put worry, anxiety, doubt, and fear out of your mind. I believe that praying Scripture, or saying it out loud, when your mind wants to run off in an undesired direction is very powerful.
Write your verse in several places where you will see it throughout the day. Write your verse on a post-it-note and tuck it in your pocket. Memorize your verse so that you can pray it whenever you need it.
Let your verse guide your mind, not whatever is troubling you. God will be faithful to come through on His promise to guard your heart and your mind. As you pray your verse, God will fill you with a peace that is beyond comprehension.
Now, you’re ready to rejoice in the Lord ~ no matter what!
What verse fills you with peace? Will you please write your verse in the comments below so we can gather verses to remind us to rejoice in the Lord together?
Rejoicing in Him,
~Kim Erickson
My very favorite
Romans 8:38 KJVS
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Romans 8:39 KJVS
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He says NOTHING can take us away from him!
I love these Julie! Thanks for sharing ~ Kim