Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
It has been fairly recently that I have begun to understand that these two sentences are inextricably intertwined. It is only that as the joy-filled soul lives out that joy, that the gentle reasonableness, recommended by Peter in 1 Peter 3:15, is evident to all.
Lord, send Your Spirit to remind me of all that You have said especially when I get grumpy about something that did not go as I thought it should. I repent of those many times when I have not acknowledged that all things are controlled by You and are evidence of Your love for me. I must rejoice in You always.
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 30
Mid-day: 119:169-176
Evening: Psalm 105
Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.
