Word@Work Phil28 - Philippians 3:1
Published: Mon, 11/02/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
REMINDER TO REJOICE
Phil. 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. (NIV)
Glad hearts are a tonic for everybody. Nobody really wants to be surrounded by grumpy, morose, complaining, anxious or angry people. Yet it is easy enough to become like that ourselves. All we need is a little trouble of any kind, and we can spiral down into self-preservation mode, denying our security in Christ. Paul is in prison, but he instructs 'free' people to rejoice in the Lord! He does not apologise for repeating himself (see Phil 1:8; 2:17-18; 4:4; 4:10), because he knows that rejoicing is an essential spiritual protection.
Joy protects our hearts but only if our joy is 'in the Lord'. 'In the Lord' describes the reason for being glad: it is because of our Father's love, our Saviour's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts. As we fix our attention on God, and His care of us, joy will start to flood our hearts, displacing fear and shame. Naturally we will tend to self-assurance based on what we can see. Supernaturally we can be certain that God will keep His promises and work powerfully by His Spirit.
Paul experienced this himself when he and Silas were in jail in Philippi (see Acts 16:25-26). Humanly-speaking the prospect was not good. But they sang praise to the God who is in charge of everything, and were not surprised when the doors burst open and they were free. Praise expresses the joyfulness of confident hearts, which are certain that God will be kind and active. So, why not sing God's praise? Sing and speak out gladly about His love ... on your own, in the family, with the children, when travelling and at work. If you have a workplace fellowship, please practise rejoicing together - especially if things are not going well!! You will be surprised what happens when you declare your confidence in the unseen God.
Prayer: Wonderful Saviour. How much You have done for me, and how great You are in every way! Please help me to keep my mind and heart settled - that You will fulfil all Your promises, in Your word, concerning me. Help me to praise You every day, and to honour You with praises - by myself, at home and at work. For Your glory's sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Glad hearts are a tonic for everybody. Nobody really wants to be surrounded by grumpy, morose, complaining, anxious or angry people. Yet it is easy enough to become like that ourselves. All we need is a little trouble of any kind, and we can spiral down into self-preservation mode, denying our security in Christ. Paul is in prison, but he instructs 'free' people to rejoice in the Lord! He does not apologise for repeating himself (see Phil 1:8; 2:17-18; 4:4; 4:10), because he knows that rejoicing is an essential spiritual protection.
Joy protects our hearts but only if our joy is 'in the Lord'. 'In the Lord' describes the reason for being glad: it is because of our Father's love, our Saviour's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts. As we fix our attention on God, and His care of us, joy will start to flood our hearts, displacing fear and shame. Naturally we will tend to self-assurance based on what we can see. Supernaturally we can be certain that God will keep His promises and work powerfully by His Spirit.
Paul experienced this himself when he and Silas were in jail in Philippi (see Acts 16:25-26). Humanly-speaking the prospect was not good. But they sang praise to the God who is in charge of everything, and were not surprised when the doors burst open and they were free. Praise expresses the joyfulness of confident hearts, which are certain that God will be kind and active. So, why not sing God's praise? Sing and speak out gladly about His love ... on your own, in the family, with the children, when travelling and at work. If you have a workplace fellowship, please practise rejoicing together - especially if things are not going well!! You will be surprised what happens when you declare your confidence in the unseen God.
Prayer: Wonderful Saviour. How much You have done for me, and how great You are in every way! Please help me to keep my mind and heart settled - that You will fulfil all Your promises, in Your word, concerning me. Help me to praise You every day, and to honour You with praises - by myself, at home and at work. For Your glory's sake. Amen.
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