Daily Devotions this week are being provided by our St. John’s Certified Lay Ministers. Today’s devotion is from Gina Rivera.
PEACE
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4
Max Lucado, in his book Grace for the Moment says:
Go with me back in history a couple of thousand years. Let’s go to Rome. . . to a rather drab little room, surrounded by high walls. . . Inside we see a man seated on the floor. He’s an older fellow, shoulders stooped and balding. Chains are on his hands and feet. . .
It is the apostle Paul. . . The apostle who was bound only by the will of God is now in chains—stuck in a dingy house—attached to a Roman officer. . .
He is writing a letter. No doubt it is a complaint letter to God. No doubt it is a list of grievances. . . He has every reason to be bitter and complain. But he doesn’t. Instead, he writes a letter that two thousand years later is still known as the treatise on joy—Philippians. . . .
Why don’t you spend some time with it?
Spiritual Practice:
Read Philippians 4:4-13 slowly, stopping after each verse or two and reflect on whether these verses speak to your situation today and apply the verses to your circumstances, to the place you find yourself because of coronavirus—your job, your finances, your health, your family, friends, community. When you are finished, go to God in prayer, speaking aloud these truths:
I am not anxious or worried about anything; I continue to make my requests known to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding stands guard over my heart and my mind. You are my Peace.
I will fix my thoughts on You, Lord, and all that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. You, O Lord, are my Peace.
I have learned to be content and satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy, regardless of my circumstances. I am at peace.
I can to all the things God has called me to do through Him. He gives me peace.
I will rejoice in the Lord always. I will delight and take pleasure in Him. His peace gives me joy.
Return to these truths throughout the day when you find you need His reassurance.
-- Gina Rivera, Certified Lay Minister
