First things first, I wrote the majority of this post a couple months ago, but I never published it. I was inspired by a friend today and decided to finish it and publish it. It seems like someone else may need to hear it.

Anyway, I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve felt bogged down by life and the trials and hurts of the world. Can anyone else relate, or is it just me?

From people that I’ve been hurt by, to the worries of the world, the crazy things going on, and feeling as if my life has been completely turned upside down and inside out within the last few months, life has been a bit much to say the least. During times like this, it can be so easy to just crawl into my “little hole” and hide there for a while. However, that does no good and leaves me feeling more alone and more isolated from everyone, including the Body of Christ, who I need to stay in close fellowship with. It’s times like this that I try to remain positive and have a heart of gratitude. But if I’m being honest, I sometimes wonder where Jesus is through all of the mess.

I was talking to my husband about all of this, and he was trying to encourage me and remind me of the promises of God. I was sharing with him my hurts, my frustrations, all the uncertainties I feel, and how I feel so discontented in life right now. And all of this to say, that I know what God says about me and about the trials we face, and I know I should be grateful and content as I continue to seek Him, but sometimes that’s easier said that done.

Anyway, the following morning after discussing my feelings with my husband, he sent me a passage in Philippians that he had read that morning in his time with Jesus. And it really hit home. It was Philippians 4:4-20, which says:

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.

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶ for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. ¹⁷ Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. ¹⁸ I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

This passage talks about rejoicing in the Lord ALWAYS. That even includes the times that I don’t really feel like rejoicing. And while we must acknowledge our feelings, they don’t have to hold us captive. Feelings are temporary and only have power over us if we allow them to. We must remember that and know that there is truly always something to rejoice about!

In this passage, Paul also talks about being content. This part really got to me, because as I mentioned earlier, I have been feeling so discontent in life. But, I know I have so much to be thankful for and that I can truly learn to be content through ALL of it.

What are you going through right now in life? Are you weary and broken down? Turn to Jesus. He will never let you down. I’m not saying it will be all sunshine and roses, but I am saying that He promises to walk with us through the darkest of valleys.

If you’d like prayer, feel free to drop a comment below, or send me an email through the “contact me” option. Live in love and be loved, my friends!

yours truly,

miranda

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