55-Days Devotional Journey - Day 22
June 22, 2025 (Sunday)

Scripture:
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 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".
Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)

Reflection:
While Paul was writing this letter to the Philippian believers, he was likely chained to a Roman guard, while waiting for news whether he would be allowed to live or die. The same Paul was once in another prison (in Philippi itself) with a companion, Silas. It was recorded that both were severely beaten and chained to a wall, yet they had not responded with curses and complaints, but with hymns and songs (Acts 16:22-25). Thus, Paul could rightfully penned the words in this passage as he himself greeted every circumstance in his life with joy "in the Lord."

Paul calls for his audience to greet every circumstance with joy because he knows that the sovereign Lord is in control and overseeing every circumstance for the good of those who loved Him (Romans 8:28). Despite the many trials and difficulties faced by the believers in Philippi, Paul exhorts them to cover every situation in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Such thanksgiving prior to receiving an answer to our prayers implies a strong trust in God that He is a faithful God.

The result of an active prayer life is the peace of God which Paul talked about. We are able to experience such peace in our hearts and our minds because we know that the Lord is present with us in every situation in our lives, whether good or bad. The experience of such peace is as if the Lord has built a fortress around our hearts and minds, guarding us so that we need have no fear. All these are accomplished in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection Question:
Rejoicing in the Lord and presenting our requests with thanksgiving allows us to experience peace. Reflect on your prayer life. How can you rejoice and trust in God's peace for your mission?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that we can rejoice in every circumstance because You are always watching over us. We recognize that every trial and difficulty is an opportunity to watch You at work in our lives, and that You work together all things for the good of those who loved You, and who are called according to Your purpose. May You constantly fill our hearts and minds with Your peace which transcends all understanding. Help us to allay our fears and anxieties, and learn to lean and depend on You more and more. May we be overcomers in Christ's name. Amen.

By Pastor James Lam