Philippians 4:4-6
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 everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus.
A number of years ago I came across this story about renowned 19th century Biblical scholar Matthew Henry. It seems Mr. Henry was once robbed by street thugs. He later made this entry into his journal.
Let me be thankful: first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my wallet they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed not I who robbed.
This extraordinary expression of spiritual maturity illustrates the power of thanksgiving in our lives. We can also see what might be called the progression of faith that Paul talks about in Philippians 4. Notice the flow of Paul’s thought:
Rejoice in the Lord...
Don’t be anxious...
Pray about everything with thanksgiving...
Know the peace of God that guards your heart.
Now it’s helpful to keep in mind that Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison knowing that he might never see freedom again. So Paul knew something about hardship and anxiety. Even so he tells us that joy, thanksgiving and peace begin not with the promise of release from prison, but through knowing Christ.
He says, “Rejoice in the Lord...the Lord is near.” He doesn’t say, “Rejoice because everything is good in your life; or because you got the promotion; or because your favorite team won the game.” He says, “Rejoice in the Lord.”
For Paul, and for Matthew Henry, knowing the presence, grace and promise of Christ was the source of joy.
Then notice that our relationship with Christ allows us to bring everything to God in prayer with an attitude of thanksgiving. Why is that? How can Paul express gratitude in prison? How can Matthew Henry express gratitude after being mugged?
Paul explains in Romans 8:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
In other words, we can pray with thanksgiving because God is always working for our good, even in the most difficult or painful of circumstances.
The result is, according to Paul, that our hearts are guarded by the peace of God.
So thanksgiving flows from a relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms our perspective; allowing us to respond to even the most difficult of circumstances with both joy and peace.
Lord,
Thank you for your word that assures me of your love and grace in all circumstances. Help me to allow your joy to transform my perspective so that I can offer you my thanksgiving in any and all situations. And may your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Amen.
Pastor Brian Coffey
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