Reflection: A Philippian believer: “Paul says we need to rejoice in the Lord. What does he mean? How can he really expect us to rejoice when we don’t know if we will be alive tomorrow? Many of us have lost our income because we are followers of Christ. We don’t know what tomorrow holds or where we will get enough food to fill our stomachs.
“And, Let your gentleness be evident to all? Why gentleness? Surely he doesn’t mean letting everyone trample on you? Jesus didn’t let people trample him. Maybe gentleness means loving each other, even when we disagree, or loving those who don’t believe, even when they badly mistreat us?
“And – how do we rejoice when life is so tough? We know Jesus endured the hardest things – people didn’t understand when he explained the kingdom of God to them, nor his death on the cross. Yet he rejoiced, and willingly continued living God’s way.
“What does Paul mean by the Lord is near? Either – he keeps looking after us now, or that his return is near? Maybe it is both. These words sustain me – they keep ringing in my ears, encouraging me to keep going.”
A few thoughts for us…
In the uncertainties of our lives during the pandemic, rejoicing in the Lord has been even harder than usual! How do we respond to these words of comfort? What are some things we can rejoice in?
Prayer: Father – please help me to remember to rejoice in you. Please help me by your Spirit, to remember there are always things I can thank you for, no matter what my situation. Thank you that you are near me, and will return to bring all things under you. Amen.