Piercing the Dark

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 6-7 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. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I find it amazing that this one letter to the Church at Philippi is what we read today as a Book of joy and encouragement, when the Apostle Paul actually wrote the letter while imprisoned. The Apostle was in chains, in a dark place, and yet, by the power of the Holy Spirit gave us one of the most encouraging portions of Scripture. We know from what Jesus said in the Book of Acts, chapter 9, and the Apostle's own testimony (2 Corinthians 11:16-33), that he suffered many trials for the cause of Christ. Yet, even in the darkest of times, he teaches us how to use the light of Christ to pierce the dark. We, as born again followers of Jesus, are called to shine the light of Christ in this dark world. It begins by rejoicing always, giving thanks and praise to God, regardless of our circumstances (Hebrews 13:15-16). As the light of our praise begins to pierce the dark, we turn it up and make it shine brighter by not worrying. Instead, we bring our concerns to the Lord in prayer, and trusting by faith that He has all under control. His promise is that He will give us the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. As we continue our walk of faith, we look for opportunities to be a blessing to others, even in the midst of our own sufferings, because we know we have, and trust, the God who is able, and will, supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. With such promises, and such confidence in the God who is over all, we can not only pierce the darkness that the enemy wants us to lose ourselves in, but in Christ we can obliterate it.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).