Are you feeling down?
Here’s something you can do for those times that seem inevitable in life.
I love Philippians 4. In fact, beginning with verse four I can quote almost the whole chapter, not because I sought to memorize it but because I have read it so many times.
What does this passage of Scripture give us to help with the down times of life?
First, spend time in prayer. Paul told us not be anxious about anything. When we pray about everything it helps us not to be anxious about anything.
Second, put positive rather than negative thoughts in your mind. Paul described positive thoughts and ideas which came from life generally. Those attributes should be dwelt on, things which are pure, noble, or lovely. Things excellent or praiseworthy should be noted and considered.
Many people dwell on the ugly, hurtful, and sad. Other people brood about things not done well. Paul encouraged us to dwell on the opposite. Train your mind to leave the hurtful and focus on the helpful.
When Jesus had the last supper with His disciples, the last thing he did with them was sing (Mark 14: 26). This was part of the normal passover meal (to sing the Hallel Psalms from 115-118). Singing can be so therapeutic. Wouldn’t you have loved to have heard our Lord sing? He did this in that heavy time when He faced death and suffered betrayal by one of His disciples.
Thinking about the positive helps us with the negative.
Third, learn the lesson of contentment. Paul told the Philippian believers: “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12).
Finally, learn to trust God for all your needs. It is as true today as then: “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
We will all experience the heavy times of life. Thankfully, God helps us in all our difficulties. Here is another post that speaks of Philippians 4 and the most important question you can ask in tough times.
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Do you have a brief suggestion of how to help with the down days of life? Please leave a comment below.
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4 Responses
Philippians is the most positive of positive Books in Scripture.
I had a customer who became a friend, Ann Fort, who decided to memorize the whole book of Philippians. Ann’s Husband, John Walton Fort, you may remember back in the late 80’s when much of New Orleans was experiencing black outs due to the high demand and weak energy supply was caught on camera saying something like: if the people aren’t happy with their energy supply they should pay more. Early retirement soon followed. Ann was one not to be put off. I H S had re-roofed her two story 9/12 pitch home. Ann was refusing to pay, exclaiming from her driveway, “That was not there before!” The Forts at sometime in the past had an addition to their home. There was quite a noticeable difference in roof elevation so adjustments were made to minimize what was evident to me. She however, did not remember how remarkable the seam line of the new addition was or that it could be seen at all. As she stammered and argued in her driveway pointing and exclaiming her position, her husband went into the house and brought out a picture of the house after the addition. She looked at the picture and became very quiet saying, “Oh, I forgot, you did make an improvement.” In that moment it was not Ann whose conversation and hospitality I enjoyed, it was her husband John who filled the position of Romans 12:5. God Works through His peculiar/unique People.
You will know them, it is they who will step up to affirm the Truth.
Blessings
This is ‘Fridge Material’ …… Thank You!
Occassionally I post things on my fridge that I want to meditate and firmly plant or re-plant in my head.
😉
Needed this today. Thanks Dr. Bailey.