Monday, August 5, 2013
Philippians 4:4-7 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 every situation, 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.
THE LORD OF GLADNESS
Darkness disappears when light enters its space, and fear and sadness are in full retreat where Jesus enters in -- enter my heart, oh Lord, this day! -- The Lord of gladness has all the answers to every situation that would cause us anxiety.
Often His answer is simply "Trust Me." "Call upon Me." "I laid down my life for you. I will not desert you now." He does not then explain just how He is going to come to our aid, for we do not need to understand in order for Him to help us. That is a good thing, too, for we are still in pre-school, still see only part of the picture, still know only part of the answer. But then we will know fully, even as He fully knows us right now (1 Corinthians 13:12) -- "knows our needs and well provides us" (The Lutheran Hymnal, 648:1).
It is said that in a raging storm on the ocean, the water 100 feet down is calm and serene. Such is the peace which Jesus gives us for all the cares that we cast upon Him -- Priceless Treasure!
Hence, all fear and sadness!
For the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father,
Though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within.
Yea, whate'er I here must bear,
Thou art still my purest Pleasure,
Jesus, priceless Treasure!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 347:6)
