Encouragement

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Here's an old saying (not scripture) designed to help you feel better about the tough times in your life. "Every cloud has a silver lining." Ah, yes that always makes me feel a bit better. It's rather like another familiar feel good catch phrase, "There's light at the end of the tunnel." But wouldn't it be more comforting to know that there doesn't have to be a cloud with every silver lining, and that there is light where tunnels don't exist? It's all in the way you choose to see life. In the light, or from inside the tunnel looking for the light at the end of it? Below you'll find an excerpt from the American Standard Bible. An Apostle and evangelist fellow named Paul was telling some other folks that in bad times, depression, hurtful or lonely times, there is a path you can take to find peace.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Wow! Neat things to think about huh? Regardless of your views of religion, the Christian Bible is and has always been the best source of practical advice around. (For ages, all the great motivational speakers and self-help gurus have applied the wisdom found in the Bible to their own positive thinking theologies.) The scripture above is (has been) like an escape route for me in the worst of times. No matter what I've suffered, or how intense the pain, the formula works. I simply force myself to think good thoughts and my pain subsides. Sometimes immediately, or gradually but it works. I've also found that this scripture is a practice, a prophylactic against negative thinking, behaviors, and lifestyle. I try to teach my mind to always look for the best in every person and situation. Since I always look for the best, I find more of it! However, if I am not busy seeking the best, you better believe that troubles are busy trying to find me.

Philippians 4 Comments

I guess you could call my commentaries experiential, or derived from what I know to be truths based on the Bible, personal practice, observation of others, and 44 years of life in general.

Philippians 4:4-9
(4) Rejoice in the Lord always:again I will say, Rejoice. (5) Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9) The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do:and the God of peace shall be with you.

AhHa....the additional verses uncover deeper implications and applications!

4&5 - If you know Jesus as a friend, then you will celebrate the fact you have a great personal God who is there to love and please you, even when there's no one else in the world who will. (The Lord is at hand.)

Forbearance [def.] - to bear with another in love, to have patience, to exhibit self-control

6-7 For example. [i]"Thanks Lord for helping me through the tough times. You know I need you now. Please help me understand how my prayer has already been answered. In Jesus name. Amen" [/i] The name Jesus is essential. He is written to have said himself that no one approaches the Father (God) except through him (Son). So we use His name, Jesus, the Word to insure our spiritual connection is sound. (Holy Spirit) Now we are mentally and spiritually prepared to think good thoughts because we are at peace.

8 - Finally, think on one or more of the "things" listed in this verse.

9 - The result "..and the God of peace shall be with you."

Friends, we live in dark days. I encourage you to always seek the light of God's word to help you through. It may be difficult at first, but with practice you will find that when hard times hit you will learn to automatically think on theses things.

In Christ's Love - Ron

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