Weekly Devotion

PRESSING ON

Week 4: Rejoice in the Lord – Philippians 4:1–9

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”
— Philippians 4:4 (NRSV)

MONDAY | That Difficult Word: Always – Read: Philippians 4:4–5 – “Rejoice in the
Lord always.”

Always is a difficult word. There will be days when joy comes easily and days when it doesn’t. Paul isn’t asking us to pretend that sadness, disappointment, or grief aren’t real. He writes these words from prison, so he knows something about difficult circumstances. The key may be in three small words: in the Lord. Our joy isn’t rooted in everything going well. It is rooted in the presence of Christ.

Reflect: What is the difference between being happy and rejoicing “in the Lord”?

Pray: God, whatever this day brings, help me remember that my joy is rooted in you.
Amen.

TUESDAY | Let Your Gentleness Be Known – Read: Philippians 4:4–5

Paul connects rejoicing with the way we treat other people: “Let your gentleness be known to everyone.” Joy isn’t meant to remain inside us. It becomes visible in patience, kindness, hospitality, and grace. If our joy comes from Christ, then other people should experience something of Christ through us.

Reflect: Who might need a little more patience or grace from you today?

Pray: Christ, let the joy I find in you become grace for the people I meet. Amen.

WEDNESDAY | Somewhere to Put the Worry – Read: Philippians 4:6–7

Paul says, “Do not worry about anything,” but he doesn’t stop there. He gives us somewhere to put our worry. Bring it to God. Prayer doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. Prayer is where we can tell the truth about what frightens us, hurts us, or keeps us awake at night. We may not immediately receive answers, but Paul promises something else: the peace of God.

Reflect: What worry do you need to place in God’s hands today?

Pray: God, I give you what I cannot control. Guard my heart and mind with your peace.
Amen.

THURSDAY | Learn What to Notice – Read: Philippians 4:8

True. Honorable. Just. Pure. Pleasing. Commendable. Excellent. Praiseworthy. Paul is teaching us what to notice. There is plenty in the world that can capture our attention—fear, anger, conflict, disappointment. Paul doesn’t tell us to ignore what is wrong. Instead, he reminds us that what is wrong is not all there is. Look again. Where do you see compassion? Justice? Beauty? Courage? Grace? Go looking for Christ in the world.

Reflect: What have you noticed today that is worthy of praise?

Pray: God, open my eyes to your presence and help me notice where you are already at work. Amen.

FRIDAY | Because God’s Love Will Never Let Me Go – Read: Philippians 4:4–9

Joy and sorrow can exist in the same heart. So can joy and uncertainty. So can joy and tears. Christian joy doesn’t say, “Everything is fine.” It says, “Even here, God’s love has not let me go.” That is why Paul can speak of rejoicing always. Our  circumstances change. God’s love does not.

Reflect: Where do you need to remember today that God’s love is holding you?

Pray slowly with this week’s breath prayer:

Breathe in: I rejoice in God.
Breathe out: Because God’s love will never let me go.

SATURDAY | Looking Back — And Pressing On – Read: Philippians 4:8–9

Take a few quiet moments to look back over your week. Where did you experience joy? What worry did you bring to God? When did someone offer you grace? Where were you able to offer grace to someone else? What did you notice that was true, just, beautiful, or worthy of praise? Where did you see Christ?

Our Pressing On series has reminded us that we do not travel alone, that we keep our minds centered on Christ, that we are still becoming, and that along the way we can learn to notice God’s presence around us. We haven’t arrived. But God is with us. So we keep loving. We keep growing. We keep looking for Christ. We keep rejoicing. And
together, we press on.

Pray: Gracious God, thank you for all that has been and for all that is still ahead. Keep my eyes on Christ, my heart open to others, and my life rooted in your love. Give me grace for the journey as I continue to press on. Amen.

BREATH PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

Breathe in: I rejoice in God.
Breathe out: Because God’s love will never let me go.