Though (the Lord) brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:22-24.

Our chapter, Philippians 4, is the final chapter of Philippians. Paul is sharing his heart for their love for him. He gave so much in his letters to the churches because he couldn’t be present with them. Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also 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 gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with your spirit.

If we are willing to let down our guard, can we let Paul’s words speak to our own need? The grace of the Lord Jesus be with your spirit. Do we worry for people we love? 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 comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. As I was praying for family this morning, He helped me see them. Fully formed adults. And just like me they have thoughts and expectations and needs and the very free will God gave to all of us. When Paul exhorts us to dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute…is he not showing us Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit? The grace of the Lord Jesus be with your spirit. With Him my thoughts untangle. With Him my hope for His good with them is renewed. And I can begin to live into His admonishment for me – to pray always, and give to Him – me. I think there’s a point when we realize that we ourselves need a closer walk with God so we can live into the trust of His Love He already is giving. For ourselves, for those we love and for those He loves. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1. To coin a phrase from a favorite Christmas movie, “That’s us, kiddo!” A time for everything…The grace of the Lord Jesus be with your spirit!