Philippians 4:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 4:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 4Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. Verse 2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Verse 3Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Verse 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Verse 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Verse 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Verse 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Verse 8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Verse 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Devotion
The Lord is near! So often when the prophets of old spoke those words it was a sign of impending disaster and doom. The wrath of God was coming, and somebody was in trouble. These scenes always remind me of the Doomsday Prophets who used to carry around signs with: "Repent, the End is Near" scrawled on them. Nowadays these placards seem to have been replaced with internet memes of a similar vein.
In this passage, however, Paul seems to have something different in mind. He follows the assertion that "the Lord is near" with an exhortation to not worry but rather to let your concerns be known to God. Paul then offers the assurance that what will follow will be the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, which will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May you feel the nearness of God this day and the peace that it can bring.
Prayer
Draw near to us Lord. Hear the prayers of our hearts and minds. Help us to do your will. Bring us your peace, and your promise which is beyond all understanding and measure. Amen.