The Lord is Near

Philippians 4:5-6
Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.

Gentleness?! What! I have always been more like a 'bull in a china shop!'  Maybe that is why this passage, Philippians 4:4-8, so resonates with me.  The Fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness & self-control, Galatians 5:23-24.  It is His Spirit producing His fruit in us that enables us to be what He wants for us to be.  I love the progression that Philippians 4 takes...step by step.  I like to think I can do something, to improve, to practice steps so to speak.  I can...it's all about submitting, about choosing.  I am aware I keep repeating myself, but I can be a slow learner.  I want to walk in the Spirit & not fulfill the lusts of my flesh, Galatians 5:16.

1.  Rejoice in The Lord. (Vs.4)  Why?  To gain the right perspective for our day.  Because He alone is worthy of praise.  To recognize that He is all!  He is sovereign, He is mighty, etc...

2.  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  (Vs.5) I don't know about you but gaining perspective & reminding myself of the awesomeness of God enables me to become gentle as my importance, opinions, whatever lessen & Who He is becomes my deliberate focus.  Notice that I don't get to choose who I am gentle with...that little word all has shown up again!  How??? Now catch this...

3.  THE LORD IS NEAR!  (Vs. 5) The Lord...the creator of the universe, the sustainer of life, my redeemer...yours, my friend, my all in all... And on & on we can go!  He is near!!!  So near in fact that He lives within me!  Within me!  Whoa!  Think about that!  'To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, Colossians 1:27.  Recognize His presence...all the time...practice being aware!  He is near therefore I can be gentle & when I am not, because I place my eyes on myself He is His graciousness reminds me that He is near, He is with me & I can apologize for not being gentle.

4.  Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Vs. 6).  See the progression?

 Rejoice...how? In The Lord.   Gentleness...how? The Lord is near.  Now, don't worry...how? Give it to God. He even tells us how!!!  Through prayer with thanksgiving! Jump ahead...do you see the result??? The PEACE OF GOD WHICH PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING! What?  We not only get His peace beyond comprehension...but He GUARDS our hearts and our minds with His peace!  Think on that!!!

Ok, ok I know you get it...but will we practice it?

Why do I fight His provision?  Why do I still try so often to skip the steps?  Because I want the peace (the perks, if you will) without the work of recognizing Him.  This is sin.  I must confess my tendency toward self-sufficiency (which doesn't work by the way) and submit to Him!  It is so worth it!

What I am trying to say is don't skip the steps and go straight to always telling God what has you worried & upset.  Instead begin with Him...He will take you on a journey without compare!  When we choose His way!  I know...I am on it!!!  And when I take the steps His way, it is a journey without comparison!  Use your worries, we all have them, as a catalyst to remind you to begin at the beginning rejoicing in Him, recognizing His nearness...He will affect change in you and in me!  We must choose to look to Him!  He does all the work after we make the choice! He will make us thankful, He will provide peace & peace beyond comprehension!  I want it all!!! Don't you?  I want more of Him & less of me!!!

Thank You, Lord for Your Word!  For Your provision to meet us each where we are and Your unwillingness to leave us there!  Thank You for doing the work when we are willing to submit & chose Your ways.  Help us practice choosing to do this journey Your way.  May we practice rejoicing in You, recognizing Your nearness, giving You our anxious thoughts!  Thank You, thank You, thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding!  When we revert back to our old ways of gripping, being harsh, thinking we are in control or worrying because sometimes it just seems easier to give in to ourselves that to surrender to You, may we recognize it.  Give us Your strength to repent & not believe the lies anymore!  Help us grow in this area & walk in Your ways more often than not, no excuses!