We Americans find ourselves in strange and troubling territory. Who had even the foggiest thought back at Christmas time of what marks our life today? But here we are!
Despite such days being so weird, God’s desire for people is unchanged. There are so many passages one could look to find direction, but for this musing, we will consider just four verses in Philippians 4.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! God’s will for hard days? God’s will for bright, top #10 days? God’s will for any day? Rejoice in the Lord! Why rejoice? Because we have been touched by His love, sacrifice, provisions, salvation, blessings, presence, sovereignty, faithfulness in days past, and promises! And then there are the daily blessings: clean water, friends, safety, indoor plumbing, forgiveness, purpose, etc. (Count your many blessings name them one by one!)
Oh, how blessed we are! There is a plethora of reasons to be joyful. We can complain about why me or why us or we can focus on why me: why would God be so good to me? Why would God be pleased to bless me? We have reasons to rejoice. Yes, rejoice, then rejoice more!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. A second area in the will of God is that we practice acts of kindness toward others. That is, grant forgiveness. Seek the peace among those around us. Give love and gifts. Give words of encouragement and hope. Go the second mile. Don’t be known as a nice person, but as a kind person. Be gentle and know that your labors are not in vain in the Lord for He is observing and using such deeds to move people toward Calvary, toward similar acts, and away from selfishness. Be active in the lives of others knowing you represent Jesus, Who is present.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Also God’s will is that we aren’t anxious, fearful, or worrisome. Rather, casting our cares on Him! Why? He cares! (I Peter 5:7) So tell Him your concerns and claim His promises not only for you but for others (supplications) and do so with a thankful spirit. Don’t do so trying to manipulate God or in subtle complaint, but with a heart recognizing His past and present acts.
Be thankful. Be one whose faith sees God’s hand, hears His voice, and notes His gifts and readily and often calls out to Him for wisdom, strength, peace, hope, and love. Be one who readily says, “Thank you, Lord!” You note His leading and strength and you are quick to praise Him.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Lastly, know that the God of peace will keep your minds and emotions stable through such days. Implied here is that there are events and times in life when one’s mind drifts or might crash: when emotions take over or become so raw that dealing with life becomes nearly impossible. What is needed is the peace of God which is able to protect mind and emotion from failing. God is able!
In these COVID-19 days, mind and emotions can get twisted. All the more reason to rejoice, be serving, be praying, and be giving thanks. The God of a peace which surpasses human understanding is fully able to give stability and hope. May we be found faithful that He might be granting all we need to show the world that our God reigns! Not a virus or the government, BUT our GOD!
a PK Musing 
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