Philippians 4

5Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

There are times in life when situations come up and we have every right to be mad or angry. The other day I was walking towards a line at a check out stand in Wal Mart. It was obvious to anyone watching that I was headed for a particular line. Out of no where, two teenage girls, jump in front of me and cut in line. I wanted so badly to say something under my breath but loud enough for them to hear. Anger instantly erupted on the inside. Quickly I got a hold of myself and remembered my duty as a child of God. Yes, that probably sounds pretty churchy and goody goody but that's the only thing that kept my mouth shut. My flesh was ready to fight! But the spirit won!

6Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Those that know me pretty well know that I have conquered a huge sin in my life over the past couple of years, worry. My middle name was worry. I worried about everything. Now I am not saying that I never worry because I do. But the worry does not control me like it used to. But this verse I quoted many times when frozen in fear. The verse is one I can never forget. I memorized it while in Junior High school and then in High School it became significant again. In Chemistry class I sat next to a really cute football player. Secretly I had a crush on him but I knew he would never like me. I was a church girl and not the most popular. But since I had such a crush on him, I really kind of cared about him in a weird sort of way. We both hated Chemistry and struggled a lot with the exams. One day I looked over at him while he was studying and his eyes looked like they were watering. Maybe he was this big football player crying, I don't know. But he was upset. I still remember what he said, something like this. "I'm gonna fail this test because I don't understand any of it!" At that point I took out a note card and wrote Philippians 4:6-7 and said "Memorize this! It will help you with everything!" The next day he came to Chemistry class and said, "I read that Bible verse." He then quoted it to me. I am not sure if he still remembers this. I pray that this verse has helped him many times.

8And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise

At times I really struggle with this verse or at least applying it to my life. Do I really understand that the Lord KNOWS my thoughts. Lord, help me to fix my eyes on what is true and not what I "think" is true. Help me to have thoughts that are pure. I pray that my thoughts will be honorable to you. I pray that I can think the best of people and not let my mind be consumed with negativity.

10How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while you didn't have the chance to help me. 11Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. 14But even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Lord, I long to sing during the pain. I don't want to rely on the moments or events to make me happy. When the flowers have yet to bloom, I pray that I may rejoice. When the flowers are blooming big and bright colors, I pray that I may rejoice. Lord, remind me to rejoice at all times.