praiseeBless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your mouth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord does righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. [Psalms 103:1-3]
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise worthy—meditate on these things. [Philippians 4:4-8]
Holy Spirit I understand that Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was in prison and in chains. He was able to look through or past his situation and rejoice. He understood that his mind, soul and body depended on completely what God intended for him. He also knew that nothing here was severe as missing heaven. He renewed his mind daily by rejoicing and praising God for being with him and taking care of him in any and all situations. This way he could defeat the negative thoughts, depression and Satan who constantly attacks us at our most vulnerable spot in life. Help me to not be anxious but to praise You at every opportunity. Help me to rejoice instead of wallowing in pity. Let my thoughts constantly be on the goodness of God, instead of the chaos of this world. Show me how to focus on You when life is so out of control for me. Help me to give my life completely over to You so that I can say like Paul, “I do not count myself to have attained, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:13&14]
Thank You Lord for my wife, my children and my grandchildren. Thank You for my job, ability to pay off my debts and bills, and that we have food and shelter. Thank You for faithful friends and for the Bible for it brings me comfort. Most of all thank You for giving me the gift of salvation and allowing the Holy Spirit to move within my life constantly correcting my course so that I see You one day. In Jesus’ my savior’s name, amen.