Company was coming to town, the house was in disarray, I had mounds of laundry and cooking before me, and I was apologizing to my 10-year-old daughter for being impatient. She gave me a hug and said, “Mom, look at the things you have finished, not the things you haven’t.” In essence, the Lord was graciously reminding me through my daughter to “rejoice in the Lord always”—in everything—even while in the midst of a list of to-dos (Philippians 4:4).
As daughters of the King, rather than living in worry and fear, we can rejoice in “the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:7–8). I don’t know about you, but so often, I live in and wrestle with worry. When I hear that command to rejoice, I fall into discouragement because I know my life’s not marked by rejoicing. Paul was in prison when he wrote “Rejoice!” So why can’t I rejoice where I am today? I spin my wheels trying to figure out how to cultivate a life of joy and peace. Today’s reading reminds me that the answers to how we live this life of faith are found in God’s Word.
God knows how to bring us peace because He is the God of peace (Philippians 4:9). He knows what will bring us true joy. He is always near, and so there’s no reason to worry; His peace will guard our hearts and minds (vv.5–9).
We cannot add one moment to our days by worrying, and so we are to set our minds on the Spirit, who offers us “life and peace” (Matthew 6:27; Romans 8:6). Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable—these are the things we should dwell on (Philippians 4:8). All of these things and more we are able to receive through His Spirit and His Word; He uses both to draw us to Himself.
Will we continue to worry, to set our minds on things of the flesh? Yes, we may always struggle with that. But we are saved by grace, works in progress; the One who’s begun a good work in us will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). And that is truly a great cause for rejoicing because “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). Wherever we find ourselves today—even in dark seasons and in overwhelming situations—we can rest in Him and rejoice because the gospel is true.
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89 thoughts on "Practical Counsel"
Rest in the Lord!!
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I am behind in my reading but this is the exact message I need today. It’s been a week of anxiety, big decisions, ruffled feathers – all the things. But if I will remember to put my energy on all that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. . . .
I sit here at the end of Day 3 with no power, water, or internet after Hurricane Helene. Everyone I know has either has no power or can’t get out of their homes because of broken roads. The same is true for the rest of my family from Tampa to N.C. These precious mountain towns are a mess The last line Wherever we find ourselves today—even in dark season and overwhelming circumstances, we can rest in Him and rejoice.
Mary, lifting you up in prayer this morning! How powerful that you are choosing to focus on Truth in the midst of such chaos and hurt through His grace.
These verses really spoke to me because I’ve been dealing with anxiety for a long time. It was refreshing and I felt a weight come off my shoulders reading “These verses really spoke to me because I’ve been dealing with anxiety for a long time. It was refreshing and I felt a weight come off my shoulders” (Matthew 6:34).
Amen to all of these comments ! Anxiety is my greatest enemy. Searching and everyone who prayed, thank you ! I did think the meeting went well and I’m standing in the fact I did all I could do, my best for the Lord and not others. Adding my prayers for those affected by the storm.
In my Bible next to Philippians 4:8 is written: “Healthy self talk at 1300 words per minute( evidently that is the speed of our thoughts). Self talk based on God’s Word is the wrap of peace in the currents of life.” That is a quote from a Kay Arthur seminar many years ago. Our church together learned Philippians 4:6-9 and repeated it together for many Sundays. May those of you in the path of Helena be wrap in peace and safety.
First of all, prayers for everyone in the path of Helene.
I think verses about “not worrying” is perfect for this day when many of us are concerned about this hurricane, the political tension, cultural climate, all the things… so much we could be worried about. BUT, like scripture says, He left peace here for us. He didn’t take it away when He left, but left it here so we could live in it. I am so thankful for that peace. I sometimes forget it’s there, but when I finally remember, it brings me back to my focus on Jesus, His care for me. I have not yet changed one thing by worrying about it, but things have changed when I trust in God.
Morning shes. The title today is Practical Counsel, and that got me thinking, what endless practical counsel and practical living we can draw out from this precious book. Mental health issues have been on the rise in our society, and I love the solution here, “Finally, 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”, this verse is the answer to the negative things that our mind tends to collect and hold on to. Even certified psychologists give advice to train the brain to take a different path of joy, to think of happy things repeatedly, when the bad memories show up. Worries are also rooted in fear, and fear has torment. What a source of wealth for us the Bible has to offer. Thank you shes for your words over me yesterday. Thank you for the courage that you have shown. I appreciate it and cherish it within my heart. While truth was spoken in the spirit of love and humility, seeking to bring clarity and understanding as the end goal, to unmask deception, there are various ways how that truth is received, by the filters of our souls. While the word of God is pure, it is also a two-edged sword that is sharp and piercing to the dividing of heart intentions. I thank you for reading what I have to say each day, as we show up faithfully each day to fellowship with one another, in love, seeking purity to the conforming to the image of Christ in us. Thank you for the courage and the love you have chosen over the fear of culture, and the appeasing of man. Be blessed dear sisters.
Amen!
Hello Shes
“Paul was in prison (For gosh sakes!) when he wrote “Rejoice!”
(Such faith & fortitude!!)
“So why can’t I rejoice where I am today?
(When I have so much!?)
“ I spin my wheels trying to figure out how to cultivate a life of joy and peace.”
(‘How to’ books abound in the self-help department…but His presence in the Word & the Spirit give life & peace).
Lord God, help me look upward to You when darkness surrounds, not downward into darkness & depression. My default.
Lauren Daigle has a song that goes …” I hear you say, Look up Child”. Pray this hums in my heart.
Another wonderful and important reading today and comments from all of you. Prayers for all of you in the path of Hurricane Helene ❤️
These are some of my favorite verses. It seems they are put in my sight over and over again. I don’t think that is by coincidence.
Yes, You’re right Traci!
Verses recognizable & relatable!!
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Praying for all who will be impacted by the hurricane! And the other requests!
These verses have shown up repeatedly for me over the last couple of weeks. The Lord is teaching me to rejoice in the midst of my struggles not to wait til things get better!
I’m a work in progress but so thankful that God still works on us no matter where we are in our life.
He give us rest from our worry! He gives us peace!
Philippians 4:4-7 has always been one of my most loved verses. Rejoice, always! Not just when you’re happy. Not just when there is good news. But Rejoice, even when it’s dark, because God has you! Christ has you!
Good morning, sweet sisters! Praying for all of you in the path of Helene! Our part of AL is supposed to get rain and gusty winds but nothing like some of you. May God’s hand of protection be on all! ❤️
I have a list of you that I pray for by name every day even though I don’t always comment. This list has parents of prodigals, those who have lost a child, those suffering from infertility, those with chronic pain, those with personal illness, those with marriage issues, those suffering from anxiety, single ladies, those who have lost their husbands, and caregivers. Your daily prayer needs are lifted up too. You are all very special to me and I feel your love and prayers for Jack and I. ❤️
You are dear to us Lynne! I hope God is holding you tightly these days, well I know He is! He takes care of his children! Thank you for the prayers, you probably saw my name a few times on your list of areas, lol! Sometimes the things we worry about through our lives become SO little when we are thrown into the life shattering, hard hard things like what you are enduring for the last couple of years. Blessing others blesses us! I pray God is sending some physical blessings your way to be there for you, but your sisters ARE here for you! Hugs.
You are a blessing, sweet Lynne! Sending hugs and prayers! ❤❤
OH, I LOVE ALL these scriptures today! I have always been a “happy” person, a glass half full, smiling chick! BUT..there is something totally different with the JOY of the Lord, and PEACE in the Lord! The GIANT of DISCOURAGEMENT is the devil’s tool. And we can defeat it by using the Lord’s weapon of praise! When our souls are weary, read the word. When we don’t know what to do- pray. When we are on the floor…stand up and PRAISE and WORSHIP!
Music helps us change our thoughts. Just like Cee Gee, I have a song for every devotion! I love old hymns I sang every Sunday in my church until I went away to college. Then when I hit my floor from divorce, I tuned in to Klove- And just like many have testified—I never changed the station again! Godly songs turn our discouragement and worry into trust and it is a balm to our weary soul. We can not have negative thoughts while we are focusing on the Lord and all his truths!
The story of Paul and Silas praising in the prison after being beaten, accused wrongly, chained in a dank dark dungeon. AND the SANG!! They made the CHOICE of how they responded. And the prison walls BROKE down!! It is such a reminder! Slay the Giant of discouragement and keep your eyes on the Lord!
Being down here in Fort Myers we are getting the first bits of the hurricane..luckily it’s far enough east that we are only getting rains. The hardest part is a scared dog that won’t leave my lap and shaking…and he won’t go out to potty, and it is supposed to be like this all day. I pray the storm weakens for impact will be less for you all in the path. 3 years ago is when we had the BIG one, and we stayed in our bathroom for hours, but I had peace with my Christian music and the Lord. (I am not saying I never get fearful..please don’t read this all wrong…I’m just saying the word is truth and why Jesus tells us He brings the peace. He cares for us, and provides it, not anything we can do!)
Such encouragement as always! Thank you and stay safe! Your doggie sounds like our kitty! First gentle clap of thunder under the bed she goes until she deems it safe to come out! ❤
I’m currently getting dumped in rain. -South Carolina here
Me, too, Caroline! I am in the upstate. Khr little creek is full!
*Our* little creek!
So encouraging! ❤️
Praying for those of you in the line of any and every kind of storm. May His peace surround you and His presence comfort you and His protection guard you. ❤️
Amen! Joining you in prayer, Rachel.
So true, Rachel
Through any & every kind of storm.
I am working on rejoicing too, and I’m so thankful for today’s word! Our current situation would be very very overwhelming if not for God. And we know He is working, we’ve seen it before, we will see it again!
Yes you will!
Philippians 4:6-7, one of my all time favorite and “go to” verses in scripture.
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Peace, there is nothing like it. It is so needed and so sought after in our world today. So ever thankful that through Jesus Christ, we can have the peace that is far beyond our understanding. Peace amid the chaos, peace amid the sorrow, peace amid the uncertainties of life – God’s peace. His peace will guard our hearts and minds, this should give us much reason to rejoice!
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Praying God’s peace for each of you today – for those waiting out the hurricane, for those overwhelmed with job situations, family situations, financial situations.
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“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
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Have a blessed day dear sisters. Praying for all your requests.❤️
I am reminded as I write, of a chorus to an older hymn – Wonderful Peace:
“Peace, peace! wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above,
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, In fathomless billows of love.”
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I love that chorus so much. We sang that when I was growing up. LOVE it!
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Thanks you for Isaiah 26:3! Keep running the race right? My eyes are fixed on Jesus!!
Father that I cast my cares on you. I feel so overwhelmed with recent job concerns. Please Holy Spirit prompt me to rejoice always. Lord God give me Your Peace that passes understanding. In Jesus name, Amen
Prayers for your job concerns. ❤️
Praying, Aimee ❤️
“Rejoice…always…the Lord is near!” That is reason enough to rejoice. Help me Lord, to rejoice in Your nearness today!!
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Like many of you, our area is expected to be impacted severely from Helene so these verses could not have come at a better time!
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I found great comfort in ‘hearing’ Jesus’ words this morning. May each of you find peace in this and any other storm. I love you, sisters, and pray for each of you! ❤
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Thinking now of one of my favorite older songs by Twila Paris:
We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I AM
Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone
He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give
Hallelujah to the King of kings
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah to the Lord of Lords
Who is the great I AM
We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I AM
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Well said! My thoughts, too,this morning as we wait for this storm to pass. May we focus on the One who calms the storms and not the storm itself.
❤❤ to each of you! Susan, sounds like you are in the path, too.
What really encouraged me about today’s reading was the appropriateness of its timing. My mind has been plagued with worry and fear lately. My thoughts are preoccupied with what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. NONE of this is true. NONE of this is lovely. NONE of this is trustworthy. All of it is a lie and a distraction from what is happening in my life right now. It has bothered me so much that I have allowed it to steal my joy.
But Paul, inspired by the spirit of God, says in Philippians 4:4-9, “REJOICE!” “Don’t worry about ANYTHING,” instead, pray about everything. God’s peace will “guard your hearts and minds and Christ Jesus.” What should you think about instead? Think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and praiseworthy. Do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I was challenged to actually put this into practice. It is easy to forget or allow life to distract me from what is true, but rather than wallow in shame over my shortcomings, I can choose to pick myself up off the floor (literally at this moment as I am writing) and start again with my next thought.
Rejoice. Bring my concerns to the God of peace. Think about what is true. Allow God’s peace to wash over me. That’s it.
When the thoughts, worry, and fear are relentless, Father, help me to run to You rather than allow myself to become overwhelmed. You know how much I struggle with these things. I believe that is why You have put these truths and reminders in Your written word. You know how silly and foolish and forgetful Your people can be. We so often need a heart and mind reset. Thank You for giving us access to Your word, love, and forgiveness. May we accept it and walk in it. Amen.
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Hugs and prayers Colleen. May God’s peace wash over you today. ❤️
Amen ❤️
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Philippians 4:6-7
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.
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Praying for your requests, sisters – VICTORIA E (meeting), DONNA WOLCOTT (health, safe travels, congrats on 50th!) and others
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – thank you for yesterday’s post
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Thank you CEE GEE, MARTHA HIX, CATHY MCVEY, CAT-TEE for your prayers for the approaching storm. We are all praying here and VERY concerned. The news today is saying that the expected landfall area hasn’t seen a storm of this magnitude in over a century, and warned “to prepare for thousands of downed trees, over 100 blocked roads, hundreds of damaged structures and many, many days of extended power outages” and as we experienced with Hurricane Michael in 2018, no cell service due to tower damage. Praying the Lord intervenes and limits the intensity as the warnings are mentioning possible strengthening to Cat 4 or even 5. Lord, help us!!!
❤ That has been the prayer on my heart as will! Just mentioned that to Cat-tee!
You, dear sister, are very much in my prayers along with the many other sisters who will be affected in some way. I was looking at all the trees around our house yesterday and told my husband the trees dwarf our house! Scary. Love, hugs, and prayers!!!!
Praying for all who are in the path of Helene!
As humans, we are often looking for a checklist of things to do to make us worthy of God’s love. Jesus spent a lot of time reminding us that we do not need to complete a checklist. He is enough. But in a sense, Philippians 4 is a checklist. Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable—these are the things we should dwell on (Philippians 4:8). Not an easy checklist though. It seems like it should be, but to keep our minds focused on these things can be so hard, especially in a world where there is so much of the opposite around us. However, I think of Paul’s words prior to this, keep running the race. Strive for the finish line. We don’t have to get it right every single time, but we need to STRIVE for it. To keep going. To do better each day. This is the checklist I want to live by.
Love this!
(Repost)
Let your graciousness be known to everyone.”
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Or “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do”(NLT).
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Or “Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them” (MSG).
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My this be true for me every day so that God is glorified.
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VICTORIA E – praying for clarity and wisdom in your meeting today.
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DONNA WOLCOTT – praying for traveling mercies for you. Happy 50th!
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TAMI – praying BJ’s hot chemo surgery goes as planned tomorrow.
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“And now, dear sisters….Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
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Yes, Kelly!
Philippians Chpt. 4, vv. 8-9 should be our “national anthem”!
Amen and amen! So needing this today! Prayers for safety and peace for all in the path of Helene and “her” effects (we are a bit south of Atlanta, so under a tropical storm warning for storms and wind).
Same here! We are about 2 hours NE of you in SC, but in the projected ‘cone’. Lots of rain yesterday and this morning with lots more to come. Praying Helene loses power before impact!
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Praying for our friends in FL and GA this morning! May the Lord calm the storm and protect those in its path!
Ditto – looks like this could be a nasty one as far up as NC. We are also under a state of emergency – looks like lots of flooding and ugly wind.
Praying God’s protection over all in the path!
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Praying for all who are impacted by this storm. We are flying into NC from NY later today for our granddaughters 1st birthday party, and then driving 1.5 hours to our destination. Praying not to be “anxious” about any of it and trusting in Him, but also being wise about the situation.
Prayers for FL & GA!
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Indeed! Praying along with you. Also for NC. Nasty storm.
Be anxious for nothing…. Father, may it be so of us by Your grace and provision alone – today and everyday!
God’s peace to each of you today!
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“Let your graciousness be known to everyone.”
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Or “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do”(NLT).
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Or “Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them” (MSG).
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My this be true for me every day so that God is glorified.
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VICTORIA E – praying for clarity and wisdom in your meeting today.
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DONNA WOLCOTT – praying for traveling mercies for you. Happy 50th!
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TAMI – praying BJ’s hot chemo surgery goes as planned tomorrow.
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“And now, dear sisters….Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Grr…not ment to be a reply.
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Thank you Lord
Oh my goodness, reading this devotional reminded me of a time when rejoicing would not have been a word in My vocabulary. When rejoicing was the last thing on my mind. When to rejoice would have been an insult to My loved one.
BUT for a few minutes I rejoiced. I rejoiced with a friend who called on the evening of my daughters passing to share with me their good news.. I found a tiny corner in My heart to be happy for and with them and to wish them well, whilst rejoicing for their good news..
Not always easy..
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BUT GOD..
Ever present, Ever faithful, Ever loving God, He gave me the strength, even in my heart breaking moment, to join with my friend to rejoice. He held my heart, He held my hand, He put my tears in hold just for that moment, to praise His Holy name.. Yes, even in my darkest of dark moments, I could rejoice with my friend and I know without a doubt, that was not in My own strength, but for sure, in His..
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The journey to find joy or to rejoice has been a wonder, a wonder that has been of the Lords doing.. There have been days when I have felt low, and thought negatively and been surprised by His grace, truly.. And there have been days and moments when the JOY of the Lord has been my strength and stay..❤
The good work the Lord began in me in those early days of loss continue to pay off, and grow deeper and better as the years roll on. Ever thankful, and for sure, Ever amazed that I am the Apple of His eye and that there is nothing that the Lord would withhold from me, not even a glimpse of rejoicing.. Not then, not now, not ever, because HE is a Faithful, loving, promise keeping God!
I will rest in Him.. Knowing HE has me, and I, thankfully have HIM!
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AMEN..
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Happy Thursday! ❤
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What a beautiful thought, TINA,that He would never withhold joy from us! Sometimes we let things steal our joy, but He never withholds it!!! Thanks for that! And now I HAVE to mention the song, “Old Church Choir” which says, “ain’t nothin’ gonna steal my joy!”
Hugs, sister! ❤
I love that song and actually use it as a ringtone sometimes! ❤️
Sweet Tina sending you a tight squeeze across the pond.
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Amen