You Remain - My Personal Wrestling Match With GodSample

A New Set Of Glasses

Perspective is the lens that we see through. So before we read this encouragement from Paul, let’s think about where he is when he’s writing this letter. Paul is in prison. Prison equals beatings, lack of privacy, discomfort, inconvenience and pain.

Not only is he in prison, but he’s been given a specific mission by Jesus to share the good news of the availability of the Kingdom of God with the gentiles, but he can’t act on it because he’s awaiting his trial with an uncertain verdict. OK, now from this little bit of context, let’s read his invitation to the followers of Jesus in Philippians 4:4-6:

Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Here is a man who knows sorrow, pain and uncertainty. Yet, here is a man who knows Jesus—not just about Him—and walks with joy, consideration for others, a lack of worry, gratefulness and a peace that exceeds understanding.

Do you know that kind of peace? Do you want that kind of peace? Well, according to Paul, here is a recipe for that kind of Jesus peace. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, not a fruit of our labor. We cannot muster up this kind of peace. I’ve tried many times, but I tell you that it’s impossible on my own and fleeting.

In many translations it says that His peace will guard your heart and mind like a garrison as you live in Christ Jesus. A garrison is a fortress or a strong tower. So if we practice this invitation (not just with our words but with our lives) then we will know Jesus, and peace will be a by-product.

Take a moment today and pray through this passage line by line:

-Always be full of joy in the Lord. Remember, the Lord is coming soon (and He’s NEAR).

-Don’t worry about anything. What fear/worry is blocking your joy?

-Instead, pray about everything. There’s nothing too big or small to go to Jesus with.

-Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 

-Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

So live as though this is true today!

-TIM

P.S. Watch the story behind my song “You Remain” and how I gained a new perspective through writing this song.

For more resources, please visit timmonsmusic.com