Thursday, October 8, 2015

ISAIAH 39-40

Isaiah gives hope and tells of God's faithfulness.

 

30Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

31but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

PHILIPPIANS 4

Paul being in prison shares his peace in all circumstances and how he is able to have hope.

 

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus 

 

Paul tells the people of Phillipi that they are to focus their mind on what is good.

 

 

8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

Paul shares his secret for being content in all circumstances

 



 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

JOURNAL 

Paul and Isaiah both found the secret to living in joy regardless of the circumstances.  Both of them learned to focus on the good, acknowledging God and placing their trust and hope in his goodness.

The secret in all of this is that the goal for both of them is peace with God.  Neither of them saw a change in circumstances as the key to their happiness.  Both of them learned to find peace and joy in their present moment. 

Learning to be present with God and his love is the key to peace and joy.