Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)
Frustration is the key word of our society. We are irritated about everything.
One of the presidential candidates mentioned that she was a Lutheran and got blasted for not liking the Pope. A pop singer sang a song in a wheelchair and got blasted by a disabilities organization. One of our former presidents said he didn’t like broccoli and got blasted by the broccoli association.
No matter where you turn, you end up “hurting somebody’s feelings.”
Of course, many times, that “hurt” is nothing more than a political ploy or a guilt trip to get you to do what that person wants. But even so, it makes for a frustrated society.
And a frustrated society is not a peaceful one. It can’t be, because the waters are always being churned up by someone with an agenda.
The Christ-follower should have no agenda other than that of Jesus. Romans 13:8 says: Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
In other words, just do what Jesus wants and the other stuff will take care of itself. Quit trying to get people to do what you want and be at peace.
Rejoice, even when things are not going well. Be gentle in this mean-spirited world. Don’t worry. After all, what can worry accomplish?
Let God know what you need and trust in him to provide it.
And then, fill your hearts and your minds with decent stuff. The more you watch garbage, the more full of garbage you will be. Do things that are helpful, think about things that are good. Read good books. Listen to good music. Talk to good people.
Follow the example of those who love you and want the best for you. Choose to be peaceful. It is a choice you can make if God is truly in your heart.
And choose not to be irritated by what people do. They don’t do what you want? Big deal. They could probably say the same about you.
Then the God of peace will be with you. God bless you.
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