Are you a writer? Do you enjoy journaling or writing devotionals or blogs? One of the first things they tell you is to find a comfortable space to write. A quiet, peaceful place that lets your imagination run free. If you listed the places in your life that matched the above criteria, I could almost bet that prison would not be listed. But God…
Our church is blessed this month to have 5 people, with 5 different devotionals, on the Book of Philippians. To prepare for mine, I looked back at Christine’s, Joanne’s, and Chris’s devotionals to see what touched them enough to write about it. I am good friends with Laura McMeans who will be writing the devo next week to end the series. I know where her heart is leading her to write. All 5 of us were drawn to a different part of Paul’s letter. For me, I am an emotional writer. I could spend all day writing just on Philippians Chapter 4. Let’s compare for a moment.
Me – Sitting in my office in my nice suburban home. Pictures of my family surround me. A cup of hot coffee is within reach. Soft music is playing, and flowers are sitting on my desk. Ideal for writing.
Paul – Sitting on a dirty cold floor with shackles on his feet and other prisoners shouting and crying. He knows he could be dragged out and put to death at any moment, and yet, he pours out words that will transcend the force of time and still give people hope to get up and go one more day after 2,000 years.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
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 your minds in Christ Jesus.
I heard someone say once, that in prayer, before you ask for anything, give thanks for everything. I try to do this because it reminds me of everything God has already given me. But it’s hard not to be anxious in these times. Our lives are lived in a fog, not really knowing what the next step will bring.
As a former leader (pastor) of a church, I understand everything Paul is trying to do here. He is reminding them to fully rely on God, to remember what God has done for them in the past, and to believe He will provide everything they need in the future.
How does Scripture from 2,000 years ago help us today? Let’s take a moment to just look at our church today. If anyone has to fully rely on God, it is the leader of The Crossing Church. Everything Pastor Randy had written in red on his calendar came crashing down the day the tree hit the sanctuary roof. He not only had to deal with his anxiety over it all, but he had to be there for the people God had entrusted to him.
On one hand, you have great joy (and some anxiety) over a new building going up. On the other, you are trying to lead your people in a different church home while holding true to who you are. Every step of the way, your leader is trying to be encouraging and extremely hopeful through the grace he receives from God. I can say these things because I have worn those shoes.
Let’s look at one more verse:
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Throughout the entire letter, Paul expressed joy and faith despite the circumstances he was facing. His personal experience teaches us an important lesson – it is possible to have joy and contentment no matter what life throws our way.
This year has been hard for many, myself included. Many of you are standing in a place where you are unsure what direction to take. Some of you, like me, have lost someone dear to you, and the way forward is dark. One or two of you are in a “prison” and see no way out. Take heart… Jesus’ heart.
I want to close with my three favorite verses:
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14: 27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
And remember, above all, pray without ceasing for your leaders of The Crossing Church. They have a heavy burden on their hearts because of their love and concern for all of you.
In His precious Name,
Debbie Drost