Daily devotional · September 14
Gentle, Grateful, Peaceful
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests 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 right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these 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.”
Paul wrote these lines from a prison cell, which is worth remembering before we dismiss them as easy advice. He tells the Philippians to rejoice, to let their gentleness be known, and not to be anxious about anything. That last instruction sounds impossible until we see what he offers instead: bring everything to God in prayer, with thanksgiving, and his peace will guard your heart and mind. Guard is a military word, like a sentry at the gate. Philippians 4:8 then gives a filter for the mind: what is true, honorable, pure, lovely, commendable. Whatever we feed our thoughts, they will eventually shape us. Today, notice what you have been scrolling and reading lately. Replace one of those sources with something that lifts your eyes, a hymn, a good book, a call with a friend. And end the day by naming three things you are grateful for.
Also read
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
Prayer
Lord, guard my heart and mind with your peace. Fill my thoughts with what is true and good.