“Rejoice In The LORD Always!”

“Rejoice In The LORD Always!”(Phi.4:4-7).
Some of the English names that our parents took upon themselves are funny. Some of the names were just English expressions that they heard for the first time. We are thinking of names like Africa, Six pence, Germanmoney, Fineboy, Waterboy, Try yourself, etc. But the ones that impress us and are in context of our meditation are Godknow, Godsabi, Hearforthem, etc.
Paul told the Philippians and by extension, he is telling us, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
These are some of the most profound words of Scripture.
Anxiousness changes nothing! It is not as if we should not be concerned about the essentials of life. Self-centered worry is counterproductive. Rather, our anxiousness should be on legitimate cares and concerns for the spread of the gospel.
You see, anxiety and prayer are two opposing forces in Christian experience.
The antidote for worry is thanksgiving along with prayer and petition.
We must think about tomorrow, but the thoughts about tomorrow should not steal the blessedness of the present.
When we stop worrying about mundane things, that is when we experience God’s peace. This peace is not merely a psychological state of mind. It is an inner tranquility based on peace with God. It is the peaceful state of those whose sins are forgiven.
The opposite of anxiety is the tranquility that come when we commit all our cares to God in prayer and stop worrying about them.
Oh yes, cast your burdens onto Jesus, for he cares for you!
Weekend prayer: LORD my times are in your hands and I leave them there to do as you will. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.