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 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. Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

Philipians 4:4-9

We had plenty to worry about pre-COVID-19. We had health issues and relationship problems and financial strains. We had loved ones suffering from illness, addictions, loneliness, and debilitating anxiety and depression that had already left us feeling helpless. But just a few short weeks ago, we began carrying new burdens—life-altering burdens the likes of which not many of us have ever experienced. In recent weeks some have lost their income, their health, their freedom, and far too many have lost loved ones to this illness. But while it is remarkably easy to be completely consumed by the current state of things, that is not what we are called to do. 

When Paul wrote these words, he was a prisoner in a Roman prison. Alone in the dark, hungry, and cold, Paul wrote these life-affirming, beautifully joy-filled verses. He could have looked around at his surroundings and been deeply distraught. He could have dwelled on his pain and suffering and written about that, hoping to get some sympathy. But he didn’t. He chose to focus on Jesus and on the joy that comes from a true relationship with Him. The words he wrote came from his heart, not from his circumstances! And these truths continue to nourish, encourage, and comfort us today. Paul’s words came out of the darkness to bring us light! 

You, dear Christian, are called to carry that same light to the world. You are called to rejoice and to trust! You are not called to anxiousness, but to gentleness and prayer and gratitude! You can thrive, regardless of your circumstances, because of WHO is with you always. Where you let your thoughts land determines your attitudes, and your attitudes shape your heart and influence your actions. Catch the thoughts that lead you to darkness and despair, and throw them out with the rest of the garbage. Intentionally tune them instead to what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. So come on out of the darkness and focus on God’s goodness, God’s presence, God’s light. He will bring you peace.

You are loved!