Give Thanks. Again.

I return to this passage in Philippians repeatedly.  God only knows the millions of Christ-followers who, weary and footsore on the faith-trail, have paused to catch their breath under the shade of this scripture.

Can’t you just see all us sweaty pilgrims rereading the signpost with its liberating instructions,  unbuckling the overstuffed backpack of burdens we’ve strapped on,  drinking deeply from the reservoir of truth that waits for us there, and murmuring gratitude for the provision of yet another rest stop?  

That’s how I see these mind-blowing mercy verses.

 

Philippians 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.  Don’t worry 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.”

 

 

Sometimes familiarity supersedes wonder, at least for me, and so time spent meditating and internalizing these precious words helps me see them anew. 

 

 

Give Thanks Again

Give thanks.

Fight through the fog of negativity

And recognize the good gifts

That light up your every day.

Because this life is no cakewalk,

We can’t hear it too often:

Give thanks and enjoy Your Abba Father!

 

You are free to love people.

Dole out grace without a measuring cup.

Let that be what you’re known for.

You have been redeemed

By a God-Who-Comes-Near.

So, don’t fret and stew

About the things you’re up against.

Instead,

Bring every last concern

And place it in His open hands,

Remembering, yet again,

To lay the gift of gratitude

Alongside your requests.

 

As you practice this,

God’s peace,

That simply hasn’t an equal

In this world intent on independence,

Will watch over your heart and mind.

For, you belong to your Redeeming-King.

He knows you.

He’s won you.

And He is committed

To seeing you through.

 

 

 

kpeterson

June 2014