Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 35th Edition.
Dear People Who Are Called According to God’s Purpose,
Yesterday, we saw the “killjoy” for many a Christian community – strife. Today we continue with Philippians 4:4-7, joy in action. It is instructive, that in a similar passage, (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), the same things are mentioned together – rejoice, pray, give thanks – as they are here, in Philippians. We often memorize verses 4-5 on their own and verses 6-7 separately. But the four verses actually belong together.
Rejoice in the Lord always, (verses 4-5). The problem with this command is not in the “rejoice” part – we all have our good days, when we have reason to be glad. The problem is that word, “always.” There are times when there is nothing to rejoice about. But that is exactly the point, is it not – we are to rejoice in the Lord, because we know that God is in charge and will “cause all things to work together for good,” (Romans 8:28). No matter how bad and hopeless the situation, it is not final. God will have the last word and because of that, we can “smile at the storm.”
Make your Requests to God, (verse 6). God’s sovereignty intersects with his people in their prayers. It is in prayer that we get the assurance that God has our back. This why we ought not be anxious. When we pray, we know that we have placed every problem, challenge, fear, worry and need in the hands of the one for whom the word impossible does not exist. Because of this, we can expect to Receive the peace of God (verse 7), which is unlike the peace that we are familiar with, among people of the world. God gives his people peace, irrespective of the circumstances. Paul was in prison and at peace. We can face the COVID-19 threat with a sense of peace. The reason for this is because God is in charge. Nothing happens to us that he has not permitted and nothing he has permitted will negate his plan for us. So, bring every situation to God in prayer. That is the secret of peace and joy.
Your loving Pastor Chris.