Calling Out to God #17

Paul's letter to the Philippians is one of the most positive attributed to the Apostle. But that does not mean that for them life was always easy, with no trials or relationship stresses. In fact, chapter 4 begins by Paul addressing some strains in their fellowship. He then gives this well-known series of three exhortations:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Here's how you get along - with one another and in daily life: Rejoice in the Lord. Praise Him and you won't be picking at each other or getting caught up in and pulled down by the struggles of daily life. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. Don't be unreasonable in your expectations for other forgiven sinners or act like your life should be perfect. Then the third, most specific and overriding principle: let your requests be made known to God. Remember Who is here with you, right by your side and ruling from heaven. Give your anxieties to Him; give your frustrations with others to Him; let Him speak into your life. When you give God that, He gives you peace - in your heart, and with those around you giving you stress.  The passage is popular for a reason: it is packed with truths we need to come back to over and over again. Call out to God with thanksgiving, praise, and all kinds of requests, and He will give you what you really need.