Listen here.
Welcome to Devotions for Worship where we meditate on the
appointed Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday. Thank you for being with
me today.
I am Pastor Eric Tritten from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in
Hudson, OH.
This coming Sunday is the 19th Sunday after
Pentecost. During this season of the church year, the epistle reading often has
little or nothing to do with the other appointed lessons. That is the case this
week. However, this lesson has some important things to say about what we are
doing here as we meditate on God’s Word. Let’s hear what God teaches us through
his servant Paul today.
The Reading: Philippians 4:4-13 ESV
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the
peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-- practice these
things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I
rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern
for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever
situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I
know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of
facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things
through him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:4-13 ESV)
Comments
Are you familiar with
the concept of mindfulness? Mindfulness and meditation are somewhat related;
some would say they are the same thing. It is often thought of as quieting one’s
mind and as such has a lot of spiritual overtones to it. Interestingly I’ve
observed a number of self-help gurus in the secular sphere approach this topic
from a psychological and biological view and they advocate for habits of
mindfulness to help people remain calm and to help them respond well to the
stress of the day. Tim Ferriss, who studies successful people and reports on
their habits says this, “When I talk about strategies for better living, I
usually focus on effectiveness and efficiency. For a good life, these are
necessary but not sufficient. ‘Mindfulness,’ [is] the third leg of the stool ….
There are many definitions of mindfulness, but for the sake of our discussion,
think of it as a present-state awareness that helps you to be non-reactive.”
That phrase, “present-state awareness” is a good description
of what Paul is talking about. In a way, he’s saying that by being aware of
what is going on around us from the point of view of faith we can have peace in
the midst of the troubles of this life. By being aware of what God has done we
can remain calm when life gets sideways, and even upside down.
He says, “Rejoice in the Lord.” This is the starting point.
Why do we rejoice in the Lord? Because he is our creator, redeemer, and
comforter. Keep his grace in mind. Remember his love. Consider all of his
blessings. These things lead us to a place of joy and confidence in God’s
salvation, provision, and protection.
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” The word
translated “reasonableness” in ESV can also be translated gentleness, restraint,
kindness, or courtesy. I find myself intrigued by the idea that God calls us to
be courteous and that knowing our salvation leads to courteous behavior. So
often these days it seems that the standard mode of interaction is offense,
disagreement, and anger. God says, “Let your courtesy by known to everyone.”
Why? So that you stand out in this world and have the opportunity to tell why
you are courteous and share the joy of God’s salvation in Jesus.
“The Lord is at hand.” Imagine if this thought rattled
around in our brains throughout the day. Not in the sense of, “You better be
careful because God is watching you,” but in the sense that the God who loves
us so much that he redeemed us from sin and death is not far off. He is swift
to save and he does not leave or forsake us!
Friends, this is where a peace that passes all understanding
comes from. It comes for being mindful that God is with us, and he is for us.
And if God is for us, who can be against us?
But so often we feel we’re on our own. Some would have us
believe that we are just cosmic accidents, tiny specks floating meaninglessly
through space and time. Others would have us think that the bad things that
happen to us are cosmic justice, a continual wheel of vengeance punishing us
for the wrongs we do. God would have us know that in the midst of everything we
experience he is there and he is on our side.
And that is why we fill our minds with that which is true,
honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praise worthy.
Because we ultimately are rejoicing in our God who strengthens us and never
abandons us to the tossing and turning of this world’s troubles. And keeping
that rolling around in our minds … well, that can make a difference for how we
face this life, can’t it?
Prayers
O God, we rejoice that you are our God and that you are at
hand in our lives every day and every moment. Help us to be mindful that you
are with us and that you are for us. You are God. We are your people. And since
we know your love and forgiveness in Christ, help us to be courteous, not
anxious, thankful, and full of your peace. Forgive us for forgetting you and
for trying to handle life in our own strength. Give us your Spirit so that
whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and
praiseworthy will be in our minds and that our interactions with others will be
shaped by the confidence that you are with us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Thank you so much for using Devotions for Worship, I pray
that our time together has blessed you and given you something to meditate on –
some reminder of God’s grace to rattle around in your brain – for the rest of
the day.
Memory Verse: Isaiah 25:9 - It will be said on that day, "Behold,
this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the
LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his
salvation." (Isa. 25:9 ESV)
Remember to keep all those who are rebuilding after the
recent natural disasters in your prayers. I have Puerto Rico on my mind these
days, and if you would like to help them rebuild and meet their spiritual needs
you should check out what LCMS World Relief and Human Care is doing. Go to
lcms.org/disaster and follow what is going on there, and while you’re there
maybe make a donation to help the people of Puerto Rico.
Would you do me a favor? If you got something out of this
devotional time, would you like and/or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or
wherever you do social media? That would help me get the word out, and
hopefully help these devotions be a blessing to others.
God bless you!
Comments