Philippians 4:4-13 New International Version (NIV)
Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9 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.
Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
SAY IT AGAIN ~
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
I can see through scriptures, what we think upon matters. I like that we are told in scripture to think upon good things and put into practice what the Lord has said. Only God can bring peace to any situation of life and he remains the same throughout history. His plan is for us to rejoice and give thanks unto him.
THINK ABOUT IT ~
If you keep your mind on things pure, true and noble, you will stay in peace. Just knowing God is on the scene of our lives, helps us to rest. I have found in asking people how are you, they are busy and stressed. I was talking to a person at a baseball practice that I did not know. She began to tell me how busy her life is and if she comes to a practice, then she has to work after she gets home. She said maybe an hour or two and she was already tired. She has small children and a busy schedule. I began to wonder how we can destress our lives and stop being so busy.
One way to destress ourselves is not over committing on things. I know families who have their kids in more than one thing and sometimes their schedules overlap. I know a little girl who told me she couldn't come to baseball practice because she has dance too. She loves both and it's just part of a new normal for families. I hear this over and over, but I often wonder if we put too much pressure on kids. They have a full day at school, homework and sports. I think there is a fine balance and sports is good for kids. It keeps them active and off of iPads or cell phones. Isn't it true, balance is the key for all of our lives. It brings me to this, do you take the time to read the Bible, praise and give thanks unto God for a new day? I only started this daily things since I had my heart attack in September 2019. I know the importance of life and a new day. Which brings me to PRAISE and a grateful heart.
Maybe you don't have kids in sports and your life is different, but guess what? You can still balance out your time, your actions and your praise. Don't forget all the things God has already done for you, your family and friends. Lets be happy for those happy and count blessings. My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie