Proximity

I cannot say why it happens. There are days where I wake up with peace and comfort. there are also days where the morning is hard. Pain, fear, dismay cloud my vision and immediately I know what I need to do.

You see, every morning I wake early, heat up my rice packs and heating pad and lay back down again to relax everything. It’s so easy for me to check the news, weather, etc and I get caught up. However, learn this, my soul, when I turn on the word of God and let it wash over me, I stand on the truth.

Nothing has changed outwardly, it’s an inward heart movement towards the Lord. this needs to be my new habit. Just as the night before I decide when I am going to walk, I need to be cognizant of what I rest my eyes upon.

Yesterday, I shared the passage in Acts 23 and how Luke described the Lord’s nearness to Paul. Jesus’ words to Paul. Today, I am tracing the word JOY throughout Philippians and I see the famous counsel Paul pours in chapter 4.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭9‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/php.4.4-9.NASB1995

Rejoice. As soon as I type this, emotions rise up. Rejoice has nothing to do with my outward experiences and everything to do with an inward turn. Repeat this. repeat reminding myself of the joy. Gentleness towards all.

And here’s why I can rejoice. The Lord is near. Just as Jesus was close to Paul, we can trust that Jesus is near.

“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”
‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.5.8-9.NASB1995

James and Paul both are asking us to develop a trust that runs deep. Knowing God is near, can make us brave. Knowing that we do not live for what we see, rather, we live for the hope found in Christ. That needs to direct our thoughts and our words toward one another.

Worry is such an easy thing for me to fall upon. I’ve done it my whole life, so the pathways are well-grooved. Yet, these words of Scripture are not meant to just nod and smile, they are meant to be implemented. So, no matter my present circumstances, I know I am not alone.

And I know that I can ask this well-grooved path, are these thoughts that are true? Are they honorable? Are they just? Pure? Lovely? My thoughts can steer towards the truth. it’s a bumpy ride, jumping out of the well-worn path and trekking somewhere new. Lighting my path are the words of Christ.

Have courage. Acts 23:11 He is near.