Unloading and Reloading
Paul gives the Philippians some good life advice for living in a broken world. This advice is especially significant if we recognise that the advice comes just after Paul had to deal with the conflict between two prominent people in the church. It's a good reminder that the church is not perfect.
So what do we do?
- Rejoice in the Lord always. Take stock of the good things and celebrate them as gifts from above. Rejoice not only in the blessings, but the Blesser.
- Be gentle. I have found it incredibly helpful and effective to do whatever I can to de-escalate interactions. Tired people tend to escalate the moment a situation becomes tense. When we gently work toward de-escalating tired-tense situations, we can be great blessing to all in the situation.
- Take anxiety to God. Be real with Him, tell Him how you are feeling and bring fear and frustration to Him. He will unleash peace - deep resilient peace - in your soul.
- Take time to fill your heart, soul and mind with good and not junk.
I could speak about each of the above in lots of detail, but actually the basics are there and clear. We can unload the tension, guilt and brokenness of our crazy lives in God's presence and He can give us peace. But we also need to reload our hearts and souls with the goodness of God's working in our lives.
What do you need to unload today?
What do you need to reload?
| 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 and sisters, 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. (Philippians4:4-8) |
