In review of Philippians 1:18-19 Paul says, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (NLT).
Paul could have become depressed, however, he rejoiced instead. Whether it was out of good or bad motives, Christ was being preached. When it seemed everything was against him, Paul accepted what happened to him, including his imprisonment as an opportunity. He knew and trusted that he was in a place where God could use him and that he would help advance the Kingdom.
What I’m learning is that when things are falling apart, I shouldn’t try to work it out on my own. Rather I need to let God put the pieces back together. Therefore, If I’m facing a problem, I have two options: I can worship or I can worry.
Paul says in Philippians 1:18-19, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (NLT).
In this verse, Paul reveals several sources of strength for staying positive and happy in tough times.
First, I have to keep God’s perspective on my problems. Paul says, “For I know.” It’s what you know that keeps you going. Paul knew God was working in the midst of his struggle, and he learned to keep God’s bigger perspective in mind.
Second, Paul had others praying for him, and he used that kept him going. He says, “The Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me.” The Holy Spirit also kept Paul going. Finally he says, “This will lead to my deliverance.” Paul had faith that God would work his problem for good.
Because he had God’s perspective, the prayer of friends, the Holy Spirit, and faith, Paul chose to “continue to rejoice.” It’s my choice to rejoice or not.
In summary, I can choose to rejoice, for I have the Spirit of Christ helping me and the prayers of others. When it seemed everything was against him, Paul accepted it. He knew and trusted that he was in a place where God could use him. So when things appear to be falling apart, I shouldn't try to work it out on my own. Rather I need to let God put the pieces back together. I have two options, worship or worry. Paul provided two sources of strength to stay positive and happy in tough times. First, keep God's perspective on my problems. Know that God is working in the midst of my struggle. So keep God's bigger perspective in mind. Second, use the prayers of others to keep you going and know that God will work out my problem for my good.
Father this mornings study and devotion is a good reminder for me to remember that you are using the things that happen to me for my good. I should keep your perspective on things. Also, today I also realize that it is important to let others know what I’m struggling with, so that they can pray for me. I can draw encouragement from their prayers. I pray this morning that I can keep this perspective in mind and I also ask you for your wisdom and guidance for my day and my interactions with others. Help me to serve and be of assistance. More importantly, let me model Christ so that others can see. These things I pray in your Son Jesus Name, Amen.
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