Daily living - In very thing, give thanks


Philippines 4: 4-7 - 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 every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul gives us some simple guidelines for daily living. It ha all to do with our attitude. Sure we cannot change the things that happen around us, but we can certainly control what happens within us and how we respond to the various situation. 

Attitude towards God

Rejoice in the Lord always.   Paul tells us to rejoice in every situation. This does not mean that when something bad happens, we must throw a party. But it does mean that we are not overcome   with excessive grief to the point we doubt God. It does mean that we know and rejoice in the fact that "all things work for God to them to love the Lord", and that God is on the throne. Therefore we can rejoice because of:
  • For who He is.
    • The Alpha & Omega, The Beginning & End - Rev 1:8
    • He is all powerful - Jer 32:17,27
    • He is love - 1 John 4:16
    • My father - John 1:12
    • My protector - Ps 91
    • My comfort - John 14:1
    • My life is in His hands - Jer 29:11
  • For what He has promised
    • My redeemer
    • My protector
    • Be by my side - Mat 28:19-20
    • My shepherd - Ps 23
    • My refuge - Ps 46
Attitude towards others

Let your gentleness be evident to all.    Let people see the fruit of the spirit in you. Be humble and kind. Be the salt and the light. Be an example. Be a witness for the Lord

Attitude towards myself
  • Do not be anxious about anything,    If God ares for the birds and the lilies, won't He take care of me. Mat 6:25-30
  • but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.   
    • Look up to God.
    • Let God be your judge
    • Trust Hom to hand your situation.
Aftereffect 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   When we have these attitudes, God's peace will fill our heart and minds, This is something we don't understand. Only those who have decided to let God handle their situation will have this kind of peace. 

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