Remember, Look and Identify
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.
Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
When we hear the phrase, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” it often feels impossible and unrealistic, given our current circumstances and the brokenness that we see in the world around us. However, what if we could rejoice and give thanks along with mourning the suffering and pain in our own lives and others. Can both things be true at the same time? How do we acknowledge the darkness and light together and bring them to God?
In his book, You’re Only Human, Kelly Kapic says, “Christians do not have to pick between lament and gratitude because we recognize not only that we are vulnerable creatures living in a fallen world but also that our God is infinite, wise, good, and present, filled with compassion and care for his people…”
What would it look like to tie our gratitude and joy to the faithfulness and character of God rather than our ever-changing circumstances? “The source of the Philippians’ joy is participating in God’s unfolding story of redemption. This joy comes not from achievement but from abiding in God, no matter what.” (Lynn H. Cohick)
If we are confident in God’s character, we can offer prayers of lament and prayers of thanksgiving at the same time, knowing He is always with us. Philippians 4:5 says, “The Lord is near.” Take a few moments to let those words sink in. In fact, say them over and over, meditate on them, repeat them until it brings you some comfort and reassurance. Kapic continues, “Those who really believe God to be ‘near’ are not panicked people, not cruel or easily angered, but reasonable or even gentle…. We can only cease to be anxious because the infinite God is with us in every situation. We are not orphans.”
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2
How do we push back against anxiety and despair? Take some time to practice, intent, and even train yourself in gratitude and thanksgiving. Here are some practical steps and questions to help you get started (quotes from Kelly Kapic):
REMEMBER
“To be a grateful people, we first need to remember what God has done in salvation history.”
How has God shown up in your life in the past and delivered you?
Are there stories of deliverance in your family?
How has God provided above and beyond what you asked for or in a better way than you anticipated?
LOOK
“Look to the present. God continues to be among us and active in and through us… He constantly brings salvation and liberating transformation to his people… We look for signs of hope amid the ashes, for his presence and kindness in unexpected places…”
Where is God at work right now in your life? Where do you want him to show up?
Where is He rescuing you…from yourself, your sins, your idols?
Where do you see glimpses of hope in the broken world around you?
Where do you want him to make things new?
IDENTIFY
“Identify the works of God that remind us of his character, activity, and presence…. Practice thanksgiving by seeking to identify the fingerprints of God’s work.”
Where do you see God’s kindness working in your life?
In what ways is God reminding you of his sovereignty and your lack of control?
Where do you most sense God’s presence in your life?
What would it look like to give thanks for God’s longsuffering and patience with your brokenness?
What other aspects of God’s character is he revealing to you in this season?
“We have been commanded to rejoice, but here is the key: our rejoicing does not mean that we ignore evils, harden our hearts, or withdraw from the difficulties of pain and sufferings. No, we rejoice because God is near. We rejoice because we remember what God has done, we look for what he is doing, and we identify his presence and kindness in whatever is good, noble, just, peace producing, and worthy of praise.”
~Kelly Kapic
Grateful,
Melissa Lien