An Afternoon Word

I have been grumpy today. Tired and grumpy, actually. (But not hormonal--no Mother Nature to blame, just myself!)

I have found myself snapping at my children, rushing them around, short-tempered, and expecting behavior that is not realistic for most children their age. As I put them down for rest time I quietly wondered how on Earth I was going to get it together and try to resurrect my attitude for the remainder of the afternoon. Then I read the passage we are studying in Bible Study tomorrow from Phillippians 4:1-9. I always start with the NIV, but often compare it in the Message for a fresh perspective. This really spoke to me. I read it over and over. The Word is powerful. I immediately sighed a huge sigh and felt ready to take on the afternoon.

I hope this speaks to someone else, too.

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. (YIKES! This really convicted me about working WITH not AGAINST my children, especially!) Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Phillippians 4:4-9 (The Message)