The Philippian church had disunity due to inside and outside forces. Who knows what Euodia and Syntyche disagreed about? Was it a matter of worship style, mission strategy or focus, or perhaps a personal betrayal of trust? The Judaizers' demands made some of the believers doubt the assurance of God's grace. Fear of persecution, the possibility of Paul's death, and all of life's other concerns were also ever present.

In response, Paul said to stand firm in the Lord and to rejoice in the Lord always. Rather than dwell in anxious thoughts, Paul said to give it to God in prayer and petition. Even if we cannot change the circumstances, we can find peace in God's goodness, his unconditional love for us, and the hope of his good will and salvation to all that is beyond our limited understanding of when and how. We should keep our minds on what is good, true, noble, pure, and praiseworthy, and continue to live out the gospel in mind and action.


Application: Lord, calm my fears and anxiety today. I entrust it in your sovereign will. May I embrace what is good and true and experience the fullness of your peace.
One Word: Rejoice in the Lord always