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 your 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. (Philippians 4:4-8)
Thank you, Lord, for saving my life. Thank you for coming after me and revealing yourself to me when I was not even looking for you. Thank you that in spite of my self-centeredness, you chose me, filled me with your Holy Spirit, gifted me, and have used me to bring you glory. Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord always, and so today I just want to spend time rejoicing in who you are. I praise you for creating me, that I am your workmanship (Eph 2:10), not a cosmic accident but someone who has been crafted by you in order to do the good works which you prepared in advance for me to do. Thank you that though you are holy and just, your mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:22-23), and you are always full of patience towards me (2 Pet 3:9). Thank you for the hope I have in you, that you are able to work all things together for good for those who love you (Rom 8:28), that even when men intend evil, you work it out for good (Gen 50:20).
Thank you for the peace that comes from knowing that you are sovereign, that you see the beginning from the end. Thank you for Jesus, my example and my Savior, who shows me what it means to live life to the fullest and how to trust in you through even the most difficult of circumstances. Thank you that because of his life, death, and resurrection, I do not have to measure up to some impossible standard, but can live freely for you. Thank you that he is preparing a place for me even now, so that I might spend eternity worshiping the one who loved me enough to die for me.
Thank you for your Holy Spirit, God with me, for guiding me, comforting me, and reminding me of your Word and your truth. Thank you that you have not left me alone, but are here with me always (John 14:16-18). Thank you for the power and peace you can give.
God, I praise you for the trials which I face. I know that in your great love for me, that you want to bring me life and not death, and for this reason you allow things to happen in order that my sinful self might be crucified, and that your eternal life might be formed in me. Thank you for how you are transforming me, pruning me into someone who will bear even more fruit and bring you even more glory (John 15:2). Thank you that I am indeed becoming less, and you are becoming greater (John 3:30). Thank you that I have been counted worthy to suffer with you (Acts 5:41). I trust you as the master storyteller, crafting a story that will bring you the most glory.
Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again, Rejoice! Hallelujah, Lord – you are worthy of every second of my life, every ounce of my energy, for you brought me meaning and purpose and gave me eternal life. Remind me again that my old self has died, and that I am a new creation in you (2 Cor 5:17). All that I have is yours, to do with what you will. Continue to have your way in me, until all I desire is you, and the only one whose opinion matters is yours (1 Cor 4:3-4). Amen.
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:25-28)
Okay – now it’s your turn…
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