An Overcoming Life of Joy

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:4-8).

What do you really focus on? Do you get all wrapped up in the most broken thing in your life, or concentrate on that one area that is not functioning well? If we aren’t careful, we can become obsessed with one problem and forget the many beautiful things God is doing.

A few years ago, my wife and I bought a new car. It was so quiet and I loved driving it. But one day a pebble flew up off the pavement and hit the windshield, causing just a little defect. I put off getting it fixed and little by little that small hole started to enlarge and before long it was all I could think about. Every time I thought about my beautiful new car, I fixated on that damaged window that was getting worse and worse because of my neglect.

That happens in our lives sometimes. Things that are meant to be precious gifts from God become obscured by a little (or not so little) annoyance and we begin to murmur, complain, compare. And instead of walking in victory and gratitude, we are consumed by the broken parts.  

Paul is addressing this here, instructing us to practice living an overcoming life of joy and thanksgiving, thinking and speaking of things that are pure and noble and worthy. The glorious result is that the God of peace will be with us!