Fleurishing in all circumstances

"Rejoice in the Lord always ; I repeat, rejoice" (Philippians 4: 4).

"It is not for my needs that I say this because I have learned to be happy with the state I am in. I know how to live in humiliation, and I know how to live in abundance. In everything and everywhere I have learned to be satiated and hungry, to be in abundance and to be in want. I can do everything through him who strengthens me" (4: 11-13).

In this letter to the Philippians, Paul, the hardened cross-warrior who went through all kinds of difficulties, could talk to the believers he loved so deeply : "Brothers and sisters, I want you to be able to rejoice. in the Lord in the same way as me !"

By his example, Paul showed that he knew how to be flourishing and robust in all circumstances because he had learned the secret of trust in God - and even to rejoice - whatever the circumstances. It is interesting to note that Paul wrote to them from a prison in Rome. It was more than a prison, actually it was a dungeon, a cellar, so wet that condensation was deposited on the ground and when Paul lay down to sleep at night, he had water on the face and the body. Such horrible conditions could have made him angry, but the Holy Spirit had worked to place a gentleness in the character of this man who pushed him to be grateful in all situations. Even when battles raged around him, he rejoiced in the goodness of his Lord.

Do you work in a stressful environment, among people who have a petty attitude ? Your family's situation may be difficult, full of struggles and anger. Perhaps your neighborhood is in turmoil. Paul teaches us how to react to things for which we can not do anything. In fact, he was so sure of his message that he repeated it : "Rejoice ! Keep your heart fixed on the Lord and rejoice !

Gary Wilkerson