Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

The 4:8 challenge that I posted about last night is quite a challenge, don't you think?  For 8 days...no complaining, no gossip, no DIScouraging words, forgive more readily. The book of Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. And chapter 4 is a highlight as well! This morning, with the girls, we started working on memorizing Phil. 4:4-8. I'm excited to have this portion of scripture committed to memory...I want to dwell on these words. As hard as it is, to rejoice in the Lord...always. I talked with the girls about rejoicing; how we can have joy - because of the Lord's great love for us - even when bad things happen.  We can rejoice because He is sovereign and even in the "bad" things He has a plan. I know that is such a big truth for their little hearts to comprehend. Let's face it, it's a big truth for my mommy's heart to comprehend! But, maybe when we have these words of TRUTH etched upon our hearts, we can more readily and truly REJOICE.

"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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

How do we rejoice always? I will admit, I struggle with this! I struggle with depression that I think is a lot of the time hormonal. It drives me crazy. I do not always rejoice. But, if you keep reading, there is help there in God's word for HOW to rejoice. By thinking on "these" things. When I let my heart dwell on my struggles, my failures, my circumstance...I am prone to feel down! Well, that only makes sense! So, if I can train my heart to dwell on things lovely, pure, praiseworthy, true...THOSE things will help bring me out of the pit. Those lovely and admirable things will bring a smile to my face. Those excellent and noble things will remind me of where my true joy comes from.

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.