Rejoice Always

This is a short and sweet post about rejoicing in the Lord, praying to the Lord, taking thoughts captive and how HIS peace can flood our hearts and minds. I've been clinging to these verses in Philippians 4 for the last month or so, and have continued to memorize them so that they are hidden in my heart. It is so helpful when things get crazy, overwhelming, stress and anxiety start to set in, I automatically turn to reciting these verses, or writing them out. I pray that your heart is encouraged!

“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 every situation, 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. -Philippians‬ ‭4:4-6

I sometimes struggle with anxiety, worry, and overwhelm. I say this because maybe you do too and I want you to know you aren’t alone. When this happens for me, I often realize it’s rooted in fear, trying to control things in my own strength and ultimately a lack of trust or hope. I’m reminded of who the object of my hope is >> JESUS. He alone is is our firm, secure, steady hope and the one who is sovereignly in control. 

When anxiety and overwhelm set in, we are told to instead pray about everything- rejoicing, giving thanksgiving, and in that, letting His peace that surpasses understanding to take over. I was reminded at church a few weekends ago that we have to think about what we think about- taking every thought captive, making it obedient to Christ.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."- 2 Corinthians 10:5

We need to think and dwell on things that are excellent and praiseworthy. Friends, this can be and is hard. Daily, it takes being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). I’ve written out Philippians 4:4-9 on a notecard and have carried it with me for the last few weeks to help finish memorizing the last part of the verses and to also continually take my thoughts captive, keep my mind renewed, and let His peace flood my heart and mind. The Lord is near, friends. Turn to Him in prayer, gratitude, rejoicing and surrender, He is our hope, He is in control and loves us more than you even know. 

“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.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”-Philippians‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭