Philippians 4:5-7 (NET) Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
So often I have used this passage in various devotional writings, but always from the perspective of what I should be doing. This morning I am learning something fresh and new. It’s not about me! It’s about my Lord and Savior...it’s about my Heavenly Father.
It isn’t about my gentleness. It’s about the true example of gentleness—Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 53:2, 7 (NET) 2he sprouted up like a twig before God, like a root out of parched soil; he had no stately form or majesty that might catch our attention, no special appearance that we should want to follow him. ... 7He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth.
It isn’t about our distance from God. This is about a loving Heavenly Father who is as near as our next whispered prayer.
Psalm 145:18 (NET) The LORD is near all who cry out to him, all who cry out to him sincerely.
Psalm 139:1-18 (NET v. 3you are aware of everything I do. ... v. 9 If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn, and settle down on the other side of the sea, even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would grab hold of me.
James 4:8 (NET) Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
It isn’t about our anxiety. It is about a loving Heavenly Father who is compassionate, merciful, patient and faithful. It is about a God who genuinely cares about us.
Psalm 86:15 (NET) But you, O LORD, are a compassionate and merciful God. You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness.
1 Peter 5:7 (NET) ...casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.
It’s not about our ability to handle situations. It’s about a God who offers peace in the midst of those situations and in a way the world cannot possibly fathom.
John 16:32b-33 (NET) “Yet I am not alone, because my Father is with me. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.”
John 14:27 (NET) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.”
Philippians 4:5-7 isn’t about me, nor is it about you. Philippians 4:5-7 is about our loving and patient Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Where could we even begin to thank you? In mercy, you have given us the gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. In patience, you are near to us and watch over us. In kindness and gentleness, you offer peace that protects our minds and hearts. We are so humbly grateful. Thank you for showing us a fresh perspective from your Word.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scriptures quotations marked NET are taken from the New English Translation Bible® http://netbible.com copyright © 1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
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