Looking at the Bright Side

 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let everyone come to know your gentleness. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. Do those things which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

It is hard to keep a positive attitude in these stressful times. With all that we have had to give up, reschedule and do without, the negative looms large.

The Apostle Paul has a word for us. His letter to the church at Philippi is a letter filled with joy, even though the fledgling church is experiencing uncertain and anxious times. Paul begins this passage by exhorting the people to rejoice, reminding them who they are and whose they are.  Then he says, “Let everyone come to know your gentleness.” 

How often I need reminded these days to be gentle with those who are sharing bad news, negative attitudes, those who are experiencing fear and anxiety! While some folks’ concerns seem irrational and unrealistic, it is more helpful to listen to them than to challenge them.

Then comes the showstopper: “Be anxious for nothing,” says Paul.  Are you kidding me? These are unprecedented times! What is ahead for our community, our nation, our world?  Yet, someone has said, and I firmly believe it: worrying is simply unchristian! Worrying implies that God may not be able to handle the situation. We need to remember God has never left us nor forsaken us, and God has promised to be with us throughout our lives, in life after death, and forever. That is not only a cause for hope, but for great joy!

A  woman I once knew told me this passage, Philippians 4:4-9, was her favorite Scripture. I could see why. When she and her husband were in their late 80s,  I saw them on New Year’s Eve dancing well after midnight, while I was tired and ready to go home. What gave this woman her zest for living? She followed the Apostle Paul’s instructions. She not only read his words, she lived them. She disciplined her mind to focus on whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report.

Recently my friend bought a new stove. It quit working after less than one day! When the repairman came, days later, he discovered that the stove had been wired incorrectly. It  was fried and could have caused a major fire. Because of the Coronavirus delays, it will be weeks until the company can replace their stove. But he is resourceful. He remembered that he has a camping stove, a hot plate that he could put on top of his stove to use in the meantime, while restaurants are not open, and he was sheltered at home.

He was thankful he did not have a fire, and that he was safe. Paul would say, “if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.” 

My friends, regardless of our circumstances, we always have reason to rejoice and give thanks, for as Paul reminds us, “the God of peace will be with you.” 

Dear God, we are tempted every day to dwell on the negative aspects of our lives. In challenging circumstances, help us to resist anxiety and worry, and place our faith and trust in you. Help us to dwell on our blessings, on the good things, and most of all, help us to focus on your love and presence with us. Calm us and fill us with joy and peace. Amen.