“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-8
God of peace and joy,
Verses which absolutely need to be taken in, considered and put into action . . . as much today as when they were first penned. Not typed or texted or tweeted to someone else . . . I need to be reminded to rejoice these days. It is so easier to dwell on the weather, well its a national trait, or the cost of living “woe is me” and then there is the news. Paul knew we needed reminding to rejoice when trouble comes. We need to learn to trust, hang on and to rejoice in You, whatever comes and be reminded that You are still in control!
To practice rejoicing, in who You are and what You have done for us in Jesus, while acknowledging the other troubling stuff is going on! Practice, in the sense of doing it, rather than just rehearsing. To be able to rejoice in what You are doing for us and in us today. Rejoice in all You have for us and what You have prepared for us to inherit. You, God, with us right now. Even when we don’t feel holy or blessed. When we are overwhelmed with anxiety or just a tad worried – You are right here. Fighting our battles, going before us and shielding our hearts.
We cannot always rejoice (show great joy or delight) in our circumstances or rejoice in the condition of our nation. But we can always rejoice in You. So please, lift our faith, hope and emotions to see and hear You, the source of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). You are still on the throne. All glory and honour and praise belong to You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of peace and joy,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Thank You and bless them with joy.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations thank You and help them rejoice..
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family.
For our government and their families. Lead and speak clearly to them, that Your will be done in these days. Lead us this year of elections, to the best Government for our time.
For Ukraine and Russian. A miracle. Peace an end to war.
For wherever there is unrest, war, military oppression: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . .
For the Red Sea and growing International disruption. Overcome and deliver the world from evil.
For young families growing up in todays society. Show them the value of faith, hope and love.
For our local community, our near neighbours, local doctors, dentists, community police, schools.
For all those who provide help, food banks, district nurses, home helps, friends, family. Samaritans, help lines, Lifeboats, mountain rescue, emergency relief charities.
For ourselves, to be able to rejoice in being Your child, loved and cherished. To see all the little blessings we can rejoice in today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 20th January 2024
Read about the author of this hymn below the wonderful lyrics.
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater
He sendeth more strength when the labours increase
To added affliction He addeth His mercy
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace
When we have exhausted our store of endurance
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure
His pow’r has no boundary known unto men
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again
This song was written by Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932), who by the age of 6 had lost both her parents. By her teens she had developed arthritis and soon after lost the use of her legs. Bedridden, she was covered with sores and lost control of her hands and many of her bodily functions. The song itself was not published until the 1940’s during a time of war, suffering, pain and loss.
If anyone could have been excused for writing dark and depressing lyrics it would have been a woman like Anne Flint. Instead, she focused on Jesus and the lyrics that she was inspired to write were of hope and faith.
https://realworldworship.org/2012/05/01/behind-the-music-he-giveth-more-grace/