Years ago, I had a preacher friend stop me in my tracks and tell me that, while I can come to him, and while he wants to know my troubles, I don’t always need to be like Eeyore. It stopped me in my tracks: what did he mean? I’m not like Eeyore, am I? What he meant was, every time he saw me, I had some gloomy, down in the dumps response to “how are you?” to which I would complain about something. And then, he proceeded to have Coffee with me every single week so he and I could talk about things. What I learned from this was that there’s nothing wrong with casting your cares on Christ, or mourning, or feeling down and telling a brother or sister in Christ your cares for the sake of prayer and encouragement, but if your lifestyle is all about what’s not going right, you’re not living a life of gratitude or rejoicing in everything, as the Scriptures tell us to do.
Does this mean we have to be happy about our circumstances? Absolutely not! We take it to the Lord, and we pray, and we thank God He hears us and loves our souls unto death. We fix our eyes harder on Jesus, and we keep them on Him, whether the weather is fair or foul over our circumstances. We learn to find joy and peace and contentment in Christ, and not in our external circumstances, and we let HIM rule over us and pick us up. If we’re rejoicing in Christ, we don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves. If we’re keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we don’t have time to look at where we’re disappointed and unfulfilled, because in Jesus there is no disappointment or unfulfillment. He is always good, every time. So don’t be like me: I was Eeyore (thanks for noticing me). Don’t be Eeyore, rejoice instead! Fix your eyes on Jesus!
Philippians 4
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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