Dec 30     Thinking of Good Things

 

Philippians 4:4-14        (ESV)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ 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.⁹ What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God’s Provision

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

¹⁴ Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

 

 

Meditation:

• Are you willing to give all your anxieties to God in prayer? Are you willing to be thankful even in difficult times?
• How well do you concentrate on things praiseworthy, rather than things that irritate you?
• Do you find it easier to trust in God when you are poor, or does wealth tempt you to trust in your money?
• What kind of strength is Christ giving you in your circumstances?

Help me, oh God, to be content in whatever circumstances I am in.  Whether I am abased or in abundance, whether I am filled or hungry, let me learn the secret of being content in any and every situation.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.