Who Dat, don't be makin' no sense?

Scheduled Reading:
Jeremiah 13:1-15:21; Psalm 119:35-41; Proverbs 25:23-25; Philippians 4:1-23

Selected Passage: Philippians 4:1-23:

Who Dat, don't be makin' no sense? 

Paul certainly practiced what he preached! In Philippians 4, he started off instructing his readers to always rejoice in the Lord, being gentle, knowing that our Lord Jesus is near.  That perspective should help us not be be anxious about anything. If our perspective is that the Lord is near, then it will come natural for us to bring our worries to Him. After all, our control of our circumstances is an illusion. He alone is in control. He alone can deliver. He alone can bring about His glory and our good out of difficult situations. With this perspective, we have that inexplicable peace, that defies comprehension. The watching world simply cannot understand such peace in the midst of hardship. THAT RIGHT THERE can bring God the glory due Him! Our hardships become worth it on that basis alone! Hence the title: Who Dat, be don't makin' no sense? in respect to our beloved Saints!

  But the benefits do not stop there! Paul says that when we are careful in this area, God PROTECTS our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus! I don't know about you, but my stray thoughts often gravitate to my worries. What a relief when we realize we can give those to Him - who can do something about it for His glory and my good - and then I am freed up to concentrate on more worthwhile things, like:

  whatever is true, 

  whatever is noble, 

  whatever is right, 

  whatever is pure, 

  whatever is lovely, 

  whatever is admirable

  things that are excellent or praiseworthy

as Paul admonishes us to do.

Then, as if that wasn't enough, Paul demonstrated how he himself is held to that same standard for his worries. (spacing and punctuation added for emphasis & clarity)

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.

      I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances:

          I know what it is to be in need,

          I know what it is to have plenty. 

          I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, 

                 whether well fed or hungry, 

                 whether living in plenty or in want. 

      I can do everything through him who gives me strength.